Character Analysis of Estelle in Atwoods Rape Fantasies...

Character Analysis of Estelle in Atwoods Rape Fantasies Estelle is the only thoroughly developed character in Margaret Atwoods Rape Fantasies. Though she is the narrator and quite thoughtful of the ideas and reactions of the storys supporting players, it is her almost obsessive preoccupation with a singular topic that actually prompts her to fully illustrate her own ideas and reactions, drawing a character far more compelling than any of the men or women she will attempt to describe. Estelle begins her story and ruminations swiftly. She considers rape, how rape has recently been treated like a new scourge, and how essays and tips on rape prevention have become something of an institution themselves. Estelle recalls a†¦show more content†¦She worked in Detroit for three years and she never lets you forget it, its like she thinks shesa war hero or something... Estelle puts each of them into what she feels is their place, and never once looks at herself with the same eye. Estelle is above such criticism only because she can relate t o her own feelings, and she is ready to trivialize and criticize the other characters because she believes she cannot relate to them, considering mostly their flaws. But it is the clear similarities between Estelle and the women, shown vividly during this collective speculation on the rape fantasy topic, that realizes Estelles character to the audience. Of all the women at the table, only Estelle tosses out obnoxious humor, and it is the reaction to this obnoxiousness that unifies the group and identifies Estelle: theyre thinking of her the same way shes thinking of them, but with better reason to do so. Estelles own rape fantasies show her creativity and her willingness