Reading a Feminist Epistemology in Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam

Abstract

This paper proposes an epistemological interpretation of Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam (2013). Set in a post-anthropocene world, Atwood’s biopunk work indicates the rise of posthumanism after the “Waterless Flood” that proves apocalyptic. This interpretation is attempted through emphasis on the protagonist Toby’s practice of epistemic writing and her art of storytelling. Divided into two major sections, the article illustrates a revival of an epistemological feminist subculture. The first section discusses the significance of a feminist standpoint in unravelling posthuman reality. It describes Toby’s epistemological endeavor to enlighten the Crakers and enrich their bioengineered minds with the story of their creation. The second section builds upon the idea of bisexual writing and Toby as its prime progenerator and practitioner. The conclusion remarks on the relevance of feminist epistemology in integrating the two communities in the post-anthropocene.