“The Man From Mars” by Margaret Atwood is a short story about a young man who finds himself on another planet and the psychological implications of his experience (Atwood). In this work, it is possible to see how repression can structure and inform the work, as the protagonist is attempting to repress his feelings in an unfamiliar environment. This is further reinforced by the fact that he cannot find a way off Mars and is stuck in this strange place.
In “The Man From Mars”, there are certainly oedipal dynamics. The protagonist struggles to accept or reject death as an outcome of his journey, which can be seen as a symbolic representation of the oedipal struggle (Gibert 93). Additionally, family dynamics may be seen in how the protagonist is torn between his obligations to others and his internal desires (Gibert 91). Fear and fascination with death may be seen through the protagonist’s frequent musings on death and his conflict about whether to accept or reject it as a result of his journey
The work suggests that repression can also be a form of protection from the harsh realities of life, which can lead to an internal struggle for identity. With this in mind, readers may find hints at Margaret Atwood’s psychological motives in crafting this story. Certain words, like “strange” or “unfamiliar”, could suggest an inner need to explore the unknown and a fear of being overwhelmed by it. The word “strange” could suggest that the protagonist feels out of place in his new environment. Additionally, the word “unfamiliar” might suggest that he struggles to understand the world around him. Ultimately, psychological criticism can help readers understand the story’s deeper meaning and gain insight into its author and characters. It can provide a window into the psychological motivations of the protagonist and Margaret Atwood.
Works Cited
Atwood, Margaret. “The Man from Mars.” Goodreads, 1977, Web.
Gibert, Teresa. “Margaret Atwood’s Representation of Modern and Imaginary Warfare.” Representing Wars from 1860 to the Present, 2018, pp. 89–102, Web.