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Abstract

This study focuses on female resilience and reclamation as its main topic, presenting a comparative literary analysis of Lauren Groff’s The Vaster Wilds and Margaret Atwood’s Surfacing, with a particular emphasis on the theme of female resilience. Through an interdisciplinary lens that incorporates ecofeminism, feminist literary theory, and psychoanalysis, the research explores how each author portrays women navigating hostile environments, psychological isolation, and societal constraints. The analysis examines key areas including ecofeminist relationships with nature, narrative structure, historical context, and spiritual introspection. Groff’s protagonist, set against the backdrop of colonial America, exhibits resilience through physical survival and spiritual growth within the wilderness, while Atwood’s character engages in a psychological and emotional journey shaped by feminist consciousness. Using literary and comparative methodologies, the study examines how both authors employ symbolic landscapes and narrative techniques to highlight internal transformation and the reclamation of identity. Ultimately, the research reveals that resilience in these works is not defined solely by endurance, but by a dynamic process of self-discovery and empowerment. This comparative study contributes to feminist literary discourse by highlighting how Groff and Atwood offer distinct yet interconnected portrayals of female strength, resistance, and autonomy through their nuanced engagement with history, environment, and the inner self.
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