Death By Landscape

Atwood hints at several possible explanations for Lucy’s disappearance, but the story doesn’t ultimately seem to favor one over the other. Thinking about the story’s themes, discuss why Atwood might have chosen to leave Lucy’s fate ambiguous.

Discuss the ways in which “Death by Landscape” depicts (or doesn’t depict) Canada’s indigenous peoples. What is the effect of this?

Choose three instances of foreshadowing in “Death by Landscape,” and explain how Atwood uses them to create a mood, develop themes, etc.

What attracts Lois to Lucy? What’s the relationship between these characteristics and female gender norms?

What does Lucy’s attitude toward the natural world seem to be? Compare and contrast it with that of other characters.