Discrimination and isolation are major problems, and “Lusus Naturae” shows that. These are key factors in Margaret Atwood's short story “Lusus Naturae. ” There is no denying that it is evident in the story. This can be seen throughout the whole story, which makes that her theme. In "Lusus Naturae" the theme is shown through the characterization of the little girl, conflicts with family, and the tone of others. Margaret Atwood was able to show discrimination and isolation through characterization exceptionally well. The main character sees how everyone talks poorly about her (Atwood). There is nothing that can be done to change her. Her family discriminates against her as well. Her own family does not understand why she looks that way. “She was such a lovely …show more content…
The doctor said, “She’s a lusus naturae” (Atwood). He clarified to the family what he meant, “Like a monster” (Atwood). The doctor thought the main character was not listening even though she was (Atwood). The discrimination was different from everyone, but everyone was discriminatory. These are also seen in different conflicts throughout the story. Ralston 2 Atwood was able to demonstrate the themes of discrimination and isolation through conflict. Going from a beautiful little girl; to something, no one wanted to see or come close to shows the theme. “She was such a lovely baby; there was nothing wrong with her,” her mother would say (Atwood). Everyone drifts away, causing even more isolation. “She came and went as quickly as she could” (Atwood). Causing problems for the family reveals just how discriminatory they were. Dying was easier than the truth; there was "no hope" for anyone if the girl was around. “It was decided I should die” (Atwood). This was the only way to not burden her sister who was to get married (Atwood). Her actions had become twisted and none of them were human, as if every discriminatory thing everyone said had become true. “I’m sorry to say I lost control…