The Short Story “Lusus Naturae” by Margaret Atwood

Within the intricate tapestry of human culture, the threads of gender inequality, sexism, and a reluctance to embrace individual differences are intricately interwoven. In our modern society, grappling with diverse perspectives on these issues, a prevailing acknowledgment emerges: humans often amplify negative events and outcomes. This proclivity for negative bias perpetuates the characterization and occasional alienation of individuals within society (Tugend par. 4). Those deviating from pre-established social norms face the brunt of consequences, with an undue burden falling disproportionately on women.

Margaret Atwood's literary masterpiece, Lusus Naturae, poignantly illustrates society's inclination to ostracize those whose physical attributes deviate from the norm. The protagonist, afflicted with porphyria, grapples with rejection, derogatory labels, and the dehumanizing epithet "Freak of Nature" (Atwood 265).

Atwood skillfully achieves her narrative objective of portraying themes such as sexism, gender-based stereotypes, and isolation by deliberately withholding a name for the protagonist. This absence symbolizes the limited opportunities traditionally afforded to women in society (Jones et al. 11). Though the girl cannot alter her appearance due to a medical condition, society unfairly fixates on her altered physicality, overlooking the beauty and strength she once possessed.

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While one might anticipate unconditional support from the girl's family, even they succumb to societal biases, actively wishing for her demise. The girl's mother, instead of providing solace, hurls disparaging names—labeling her a thing, a vampire, and a monster. The act of serving her own blood further exemplifies the mother's perception of her daughter as a blood-thirsty vampire. The narrator, contemplating her reduced status, muses, "I was a thing, then.

In what way is a thing not a person?" (Atwood 264). This figurative use of the term "thing" paints a vivid picture of societies steeped in negativity bias.

Atwood's "Freak of Nature" starkly exemplifies society's inhumane responses to qualities deemed different or unpleasant. Snap judgments overshadow positive aspects, creating a groupthink mentality compelling even her own parents to view her as a mere thing—deprived of happiness and deserving of inadequate care. Society's collective pressure strips her of human status, rendering her existence seemingly worthless and disgraceful. Navigating the complexities of societal norms, Atwood's narrative serves as a mirror reflecting the harsh reality of how individuals are devalued based on perceived deviations from the norm.

In this profound narrative, Atwood not only captures harsh societal judgments but also underscores the enduring impact of collective prejudices. The protagonist's lack of agency in shaping her own narrative mirrors the broader struggle faced by those marginalized in society. Atwood's deliberate choice to keep the protagonist nameless amplifies the symbolic erasure of identity, highlighting the pervasive limitations placed on women by societal expectations. The girl's journey becomes emblematic of the broader struggle against an entrenched culture that prioritizes conformity over individuality.

Moreover, Atwood's portrayal of the family's betrayal unveils the insidious nature of societal biases, as even the closest bonds succumb to prejudice. The girl's mother, once a source of solace, becomes an agent of her dehumanization, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Through this lens, "Freak of Nature" serves as a cautionary tale, urging society to confront its negative biases and cultivate empathy for those who defy conventional norms. Atwood ultimately challenges readers to question ingrained prejudices and consider the profound consequences of perpetuating a culture that devalues and isolates those who deviate from the perceived norm.