Deception and Marital Discord in Cats Eye: A Study of Fragmented Relationships

Name of Author : Dr. R. Aseda Fatima

Abstract: Margaret Atwoods Cats Eye (1988) is a complex psychological narrative that examines memory, trauma, and identity through the life of its protagonist, Elaine Risley. While the novel is often read as a study of childhood cruelty and female relationships, it also offers a compelling exploration of deception and marital discord. Elaines adult relationships especially her marriage to Jon are characterized by emotional distance, infidelity, and self deception, all of which stem from unresolved psychological conflicts rooted in her past. This paper analyzes how Atwood portrays deception not merely as deliberate falsehood but as a pervasive psychological condition that shapes marital relationships. It further examines how marital discord in Cats Eye reflects broader themes of identity fragmentation, emotional repression, and the failure of communication.

Keywords : Identity fragmentation, emotional repression

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