The New Yorker: Fiction – Jennifer Egan Reads Margaret Atwood

Host: Deborah Treisman
Guest: Jennifer Egan
Release Date: January 1, 2025
Episode: Jennifer Egan Reads Margaret Atwood

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The New Yorker: Fiction, Deborah Treisman, the New Yorker’s fiction editor, welcomes acclaimed author Jennifer Egan to discuss and read Margaret Atwood's short story "Cat." Originally published in the March 1990 issue of The New Yorker, "Cat" is a profound exploration of identity, ambition, and the complexities of personal relationships within the high-stakes world of fashion publishing.

Choosing "Cat" – A Reflection on Time and Relevance

[00:41] Deborah Treisman:
Introduces the episode and the selected story, "Cat" by Margaret Atwood, chosen by Jennifer Egan.

[01:22] Jennifer Egan:
Explains her rationale for choosing "Cat," emphasizing her desire to revisit stories that have lingered with her over time. She reflects, "it's really a story about a changing era, and yet its own era now feels way in the distance for all kinds of reasons."

Personal Connection and Evolution of Interpretation

[02:02] Jennifer Egan:
Shares her initial connection to Atwood's work, recounting her experience attending a Margaret Atwood event at Penn during her student years. "She was the first literary superstar I ever witnessed. And I felt a very personal connection to her," Egan recalls.

[04:05] Jennifer Egan:
Discusses how her perspective on "Cat" has evolved over the years. Originally viewing it as a tragic narrative of a woman who "had made the wrong decisions," Egan now perceives it as a story about a young woman's journey to define her future. She notes, "It's unbelievable how perspective changes everything."

Reading of "Cat" by Margaret Atwood

[06:15] Jennifer Egan:
Delivers a poignant and engaging reading of "Cat," bringing to life the story of Kat, her tumultuous relationship with Jer, and the symbolic significance of the benign tumor she names Hairball.

Post-Reading Discussion: Analyzing Themes and Characters

[43:31] Deborah Treisman:
Returns to the conversation, prompting Egan to delve deeper into the story's themes, particularly the gender dynamics and power struggles depicted.

[43:55] Jennifer Egan:
Highlights the contemporary aspects of the story, noting how "Cat is the more kind of alpha figure in the pair and Jer... is the more malleable." She observes, "In the end, he has the power. He has the power to get rid of her. It's a world that's run by men."

[45:13] Deborah Treisman:
Raises the topic of gender war and power dynamics between Cat and Jer, questioning whether Cat's behavior signifies empowerment or an absorption of destructive desires.

[46:30] Jennifer Egan:
Explores the idea of marketing and advertising within the story, emphasizing Cat's role in bridging the gap between reality and perception. "Nothing sells like anxiety," she quotes from the story, tying it to modern advertising strategies.

[48:11] Jennifer Egan:
Offers personal insights, connecting her grandfather's orthopedic surgery work and fascination with the grotesque to Cat's curiosity and protectiveness over Hairball. "Cat is very curious... Even though now for some reason I'm squeamish, that curiosity about malformation... is something I am all about."

[51:00] Jennifer Egan:
Reflects on Cat's internal conflict and desire for a conventional life, juxtaposing her creative chaos with her longing for stability. "She wants the child. She's been robbed," Egan states, highlighting Cat's yearning for normalcy amidst her avant-garde existence.

[54:11] Jennifer Egan:
Discusses the challenges Cat faces in staying relevant within the ever-evolving cultural landscape. "How do you stay relevant? How to have ideas that other people will care about? That's so hard."

[57:04] Deborah Treisman:
Points out the significance of Cat's name changes throughout the story, symbolizing her evolving identity and the search for self amidst external pressures.

[60:38] Jennifer Egan:
Analyzes the portrayal of body horror and its dual representation as both arousal and revulsion. She connects Cat's fascination with Hairball to her broader artistic sensibility, stating, "This feeling of, like, wait, what is this? It's so strange and so suggestive."

Conclusion: Hope and Transformation

[57:04] Deborah Treisman & [58:18] Jennifer Egan:
Conclude the discussion by emphasizing the story’s hopeful undertones despite its dark themes. Egan expresses optimism for Cat’s future, noting, "She's gotta come through all those phases, now let's grow up and find out what comes next."

[64:55] Deborah Treisman:
Mentions the retitling of "Cat" to "Hairball" in Atwood's story collection, prompting Egan to ponder the implications of this change on the narrative's focus.

Key Takeaways

• Evolving Perspectives: Jennifer Egan underscores how personal growth and changing societal contexts can profoundly alter one's interpretation of literature.

• Gender Dynamics: The story "Cat" serves as a lens to examine power imbalances between men and women within professional and personal realms.

• Identity and Image: "Cat" delves into the struggles of self-definition within a culture obsessed with image, conformity, and the commodification of desire.

• Symbolism of Hairball: The benign tumor, Hairball, symbolizes unresolved issues and the darker aspects of personal and professional lives.

• Hope Amidst Chaos: Despite the story's exploration of grotesque and unsettling themes, there remains an undercurrent of hope and the possibility of transformation.

Notable Quotes

• Jennifer Egan on Revisiting "Cat":
  "[...] it's really a story about a changing era, and yet its own era now feels way in the distance for all kinds of reasons."
  [01:22]

• Jennifer Egan on Perspective:
  "It's unbelievable how perspective changes everything."
  [04:05]

• Jennifer Egan on Advertising Philosophy in "Cat":
  "Nothing sells like anxiety."
  [43:55]

• Jennifer Egan on Cat's Curiosity:
  "Cat is very curious... Even though now for some reason I'm squeamish, that curiosity about malformation... is something I am all about."
  [48:11]

• Jennifer Egan on Staying Relevant:
  "How do you stay relevant? How to have ideas that other people will care about? That's so hard."
  [54:11]

About the Contributors

Margaret Atwood:
A literary luminary, Atwood is renowned for her incisive explorations of gender, identity, and power. Her notable works include The Handmaid's Tale and The Testaments.

Jennifer Egan:
A Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Egan is celebrated for her innovative storytelling and deep character studies. Her acclaimed novels include A Visit from the Goon Squad and The Candy House.

This episode offers a rich and nuanced examination of Margaret Atwood's "Cat," guided by Jennifer Egan's insightful commentary. Through their conversation, listeners gain a deeper appreciation of the story's enduring relevance and its intricate portrayal of personal and cultural transformations.