In Margaret Atwood's "Alias Grace," the protagonist's family background significantly shapes her identity and experiences. The contrast between the self-made nature of her father and the constructed identity of her mother highlights the complexity of personal development. While the father represents self-determination and resilience, the mother's identity reflects societal expectations and perceptions, which can often be unstable and precarious. This distinction suggests that Grace’s sense of self is influenced not only by her direct lineage but also by the broader societal frameworks that define womanhood and individuality. The fragility of her mother’s identity serves as a metaphor for the challenges women face in a patriarchal society, where their worth is often determined by external validation rather than inner strength.

In Margaret Atwood's "Alias Grace," the protagonist's family background significantly shapes her identity and experiences. The contrast between the self-made nature of her father and the constructed identity of her mother highlights the complexity of personal development. While the father represents self-determination and resilience, the mother's identity reflects societal expectations and perceptions, which can often be unstable and precarious.

This distinction suggests that Grace’s sense of self is influenced not only by her direct lineage but also by the broader societal frameworks that define womanhood and individuality. The fragility of her mother’s identity serves as a metaphor for the challenges women face in a patriarchal society, where their worth is often determined by external validation rather than inner strength.