My article explores how Margaret Atwood deconstructs dichotomous visions of women and proposes a reconstruction of women’s identity in the dominant socio political context, suggesting alternative aesthetic systems. This implies self-knowledge and acceptance of both the good and the bad side of their identity; the acknowledgement of this reality is required in order to survive. This acknowledgement engages the readers in a process of critical thinking about the world that surrounds them, that is, a world of language, though the story also refers to a ‘real’ world where things have happened and might occur again. Atwood’s technique of both referring to a physical world and revisiting myths, fairy tales and literary classics gives space to a rethinking of the rules and roles of the dominant society. At the same time, it questions the readers’ position in this world as well as power relations in society.