Book Discussion: Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood

Our March book discussion will be on Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood, a Canadian author writing in 1988. Per Goodreads:

Cat's Eye is the story of Elaine Risley, a controversial painter who returns to Toronto, the city of her youth, for a retrospective of her art. Engulfed by vivid images of the past, she reminisces about a trio of girls who initiated her into the fierce politics of childhood and its secret world of friendship, longing, and betrayal. Elaine must come to terms with her own identity as a daughter, a lover, an artist, and woman -- but above all she must seek release from her haunting memories. Disturbing, hilarious, and compassionate, Cat's Eye is a breathtaking novel of a woman grappling with the tangled knots of her life.

Possible discussion questions include:

1. What does the novel say about the nature of childhood and the development of adolescent friendships?
2. Is there a gender-influenced difference in cruelty between boys as opposed to cruelty as expressed by girls?
3. At what point does adolescent meanness become pathological?
4. In the opening line of the novel, Elaine Risley observes: "Time is not a line but a dimension, like the dimensions of space . . . if you knew enough and could move faster than light you could travel backward in time and exist in two places at once." How do you interpret this statement?
5. Why does Elaine return to Toronto and what does she hope to accomplish? What role does this return play in the structure of the novel?
6. Elaine is haunted by Cordelia, her "best friend" and the tormentor of her childhood. What benefit did Cordelia receive out of tormenting Elaine? What weakness in Elaine made her particularly vulnerable to Cordelia?
7. Why did Cordelia continue to play such importance in Elaine’s adult life?
8. Discuss the impact of the types of parenting received by Elaine, Cordelia, and their third friend, Grace.
9. Is Elaine’s mother responsible in any way for what happened to Elaine?
10. Early in the novel, Elaine is warned by Carol not to go down into the ravine: "There might be men there." Discuss the significance of this warning, taking into account the later incident between the girls at the ravine.
11. Why do you think Elaine became an artist? What is the significance that she did so?
12. A review of the novel by Judith Thurman suggests that a connection exists between sex and childhood games. Discuss this, as well as the significance of the book’s title.

Also at this meeting, we'll vote on our book to discuss in April. In keeping with our group's design, we discussed a 21st century woman author in January, a 19th century (or earlier) author in February, and a 20th century author in March.

As always with cafe-based events, please plan to purchase a beverage or snack from our host to thank them for the use of their space. Higher Grounds also has a delicious lunch/brunch menu, so feel free to come early and dine.

Looking forward to seeing you there!