The Gray Area with Sean Illing Novelist Lauren Groff on the other Matrix
Jan 13, 2022
Lauren Groff, an acclaimed novelist known for her works like "Fates and Furies," shares insights on her National Book Award finalist, "Matrix." She explores the intriguing historical figure Marie de France and how her story inspires a feminine utopia amid patriarchal structures. Groff discusses the complexity of crafting a character from minimal historical evidence and reflects on the significance of women's voices in literature. Additionally, she tackles the challenges of showcasing women's narratives and the enduring themes of strength and resilience in contemporary contexts.
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Matrix Origin Story
- Lauren Groff's novel, Matrix, was inspired by medieval poet Marie de France and a fellowship at the Radcliffe Institute.
- A lecture on medieval nuns sparked the idea of exploring the contemporary world through a 12th-century lens.
Responding to Trump
- Groff's Matrix responds to the Trump presidency by imagining a world run by women.
- The novel explores toxic masculinity by creating a 12th-century utopian world.
Utopia and Enclosed Spaces
- Groff is drawn to utopian settings in her writing, as seen in Matrix and her upbringing in Cooperstown.
- Enclosed spaces heighten personalities and tensions, creating fertile ground for fiction.
