Who are the gardeners according to Margaret Atwood?

The metaphor of “gardeners” appears across several works by Margaret Atwood, most extensively in her non-fiction book Negotiating with the Dead. For Atwood, gardeners represent the type of artists who cautiously shape their creative works through methodical editing and care, rather than relying on pure spontaneity or inspiration. Examining this metaphor provides insight into Atwood’s views on literary creation.

The Gardener's Approach: Atwood's Distinction from "Jungle-Invaders"

In Negotiating with the Dead, Atwood distinguishes gardeners from more reckless artists like “jungle-invaders”, who impulsively slash through creative wilds. Gardeners are thoughtful curators of their imaginary spaces, carefully pruning narratives and using structure to encourage meaningful growth. Atwood identifies with gardener caution.

Cultivating Subtle Significance: Atwood's Embrace of Craft and Vision

Atwood’s preference for careful creative cultivation reflects her belief that art should convey subtle significance beyond surface beauty. While she acknowledges that chaos breeds inspiration, Atwood intimates that shaping raw creative material with purpose and care best allows profound themes to emerge. Her gardener metaphor values craft and vision equally.

Atwood's Gardener Metaphor: Balancing Spontaneity and Thoughtful Creative Care

Through resonant metaphors like “gardeners”, Margaret Atwood reveals her balanced approach to imaginative writing - embracing spontaneity’s fertile soil while diligently cultivating layered resonance. Atwood’s gardener identity reflects her success in harvesting inspiration yet shaping enduring art through thoughtful creative care.