

Jennifer Egan Reads Margaret Atwood
20 snips Jan 1, 2025
Jennifer Egan, renowned author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning "A Visit from the Goon Squad," joins to explore Margaret Atwood's 1990 story, "Kat." They delve into themes of identity, examining Kat's post-surgery emotional journey and struggles between societal expectations and personal dreams. Discussions pivot to gender dynamics, reflecting on evolving cultural perceptions of women. The conversation also unpacks the intertwining of violence, desire, and fashion, inviting deeper contemplation of beauty and transformation in Atwood's enduring literary legacy.
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Atwood at Penn
- Jennifer Egan first saw Margaret Atwood speak at Penn when she was a student.
- Atwood was the first literary superstar Egan witnessed, and she felt a personal connection.
Shifting Perspectives
- "Cat" reflects a bygone era, pre-internet, which now feels distant and nostalgic.
- Egan's perspective shifted from seeing Kat as an older woman who made wrong decisions to a young woman discovering her future.
Changing Gender Dynamics
- Modern readers perceive "Cat" differently than readers in 1990 due to societal changes.
- The story's portrayal of gender dynamics and power struggles resonates differently today.