It’s not very often that a book about murder makes you laugh. In the chapter, “Puss in the Corner”, Grace describes what it is like to be in the Governor’s home, particularly with his scrapbooking wife. Women in high society dressed a certain way, following etiquette of the times, much to Grace’s dismay. As a maid, she did not own an elaborate dress like the wives of well-to-do men in society. Grace’s commentary on the subject was what caused me to laugh out loud while reading in the quiet library:
“They are like birdcages; but what is being caged in? Legs, the legs of ladies; legs penned in so they cannot get out and go rubbing up against the gentlemen’s trousers. The Governor’s wife never says legs, although the newspapers said legs when they were talking about Nancy, with her dead legs sticking out from under the washtub.”
This struck me as hilarious for a few reasons; Grace finds the fashion just as ridiculous as any 21st century woman. Why must women hide their legs? Similarly, why must women today be labeled as “slut” or “prude” depending on their clothing choices? Grace sees the humor in the matter of covering up human body parts for the sake of perceived modesty and I really enjoy that Atwood gives her character this modern (or perhaps not-so-modern) personality trait. Secondly, I enjoy Grace’s connection between the arbitrary little details of the Governor’s wife’s wardrobe to the one matter that changed her life the most. I think it shows Grace as a human being capable of humor, even if it is about the murder of which she is accused of committing.
(Angelina has no plans to keep her leg caged!)
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