In her work "The Tent," Margaret Atwood explores the concept of self and identity through the metaphor of multiplicity. She reflects on the struggle of understanding oneself amidst a multitude of images and roles. The desire for simplicity, with just a few clear representations of the self, contrasts sharply with the reality of a fluid and ever-changing identity.

Atwood's imagery evokes a sense of instability, suggesting that our identities are not fixed but rather constantly evolving. This fluidity leads to a feeling of losing oneself, as she describes dissolving into different versions of herself. Through this exploration, Atwood conveys the complexity of personal identity and the challenge of reconciling the various facets of who we are.