Torture Margaret Atwood Analysis

The poem “Torture” by Margaret Atwood is a free verse poem and uses first person to present her thoughts throughout the poem. It is used to express anger by using a constant bitter tone, possibly as an indication of Atwood’s discontent towards women’s position in society. Margaret Atwood mentions in an interview with Jo Brans that she is a feminist, which Atwood specifically self-defined as “human equality and freedom of choice” (page 81). This belief plays a significant role in the poem; it directs the poem to support Atwood’s view on human equality, freedom of choice and women’s rights. The theme of the poem revolves around the notion of silencing women, unheard power and women's rights.
The first stanza straight away asks a rhetorical question “what goes on in the pauses/ of this conversation? which
In stanza three the phrase “but power” (21) was used to emphasize the importance of power in not just this poem but in society. Stanza four and five contain a significant amount of graphic imagery which use words and phrases associated with the notion of silence against women and unheard power. Atwood similarly repeats these ideas throughout the poem which essentially connects back to the theme of the poem. For example, imagery was used in lines 28-31 in stanza 4, “… leaving you breathless/and without a name/flattened…” suggesting a loss of womanhood and identity. This puts women in a submissive position due to being voiceless and nameless in society.
Through “torture”, Margaret Atwood expresses her belief in this argumentative poem. It implies that women who are silenced in society should be allowed free will, freedom of speech, passion and involvement in politics without being subjected to silence and deprived of their