What Does Elaine Learn from the Male ‘Teachers’?

The questions of infidelity, love and sexuality and the influence of Jon, Josef, and to a certain extent Ben over these. Atwood portrays early in the novel the divide between male and female, for example at school she and Steven are separated because of the “Girls and Boys” different entrances. Her upbringing has caused her to enjoy, like Steven (arguably the most important teacher, and his influence over Elaine as a young child moulded her …

…but never settled, where Ben offers a curious paradox to them both. His humility doesn’t question or criticise Elaine, it merely allows him to accept her for the true woman that she is. >From Steven Elaine learns the dynamics of male company. From Josef she learns artful passion, sexuality and infidelity. From Jon she learns domesticity and the importance of her own self confidence and femininity. From Ben she learns true love. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**