In Margaret Atwood's collection "Moral Disorder and Other Stories," the author reflects on her identity through a metaphor likening herself to an itinerant artist from the Elizabethan era. She compares her experiences and insights to those of wandering performers, suggesting a certain transience in her intellectual pursuits and reflections. This imagery conveys a sense of versatility and a deep engagement with the human experience, albeit with a hint of humility regarding her academic credentials.

This metaphor encapsulates a blend of artistry and scholarship, portraying Atwood as someone who traverses the landscape of thoughts and ideas, much like a troubadour moves through towns to share stories and songs. The reference to her university degree as a "cheap lute" highlights a dichotomy between the value placed on education and the broader, more immersive experiences of life. Through this lens, Atwood invites readers to appreciate the richness of narrative beyond formal learning, emphasizing the importance of lived experience in shaping one’s understanding of the world.