Embracing the maternal: the importance of intergenerational transmission in Margaret Atwood’s Surfacing

Drawing on psychoanalysis, Atwood’s second novel, Surfacing, masterly depicts the suppression of trauma and mechanisms that allow it to reconfigure. The article investigates implications protagonist’s abortion for her concept self, as well manifests objectification a pregnant woman during both labouring abortive procedures. It scrutinizes what role relationship between heroine late mother plays in identity formation healing process former, emphasizing importance intergenerational transmission.