Essay Questions

How does isolation emerge as one of the main themes in When It Happens by Margaret Atwood?

Isolation is one of the main issues Atwood focuses on in the novel. Mrs. Burridge and her husband, Frank, are lonely and try to engage in daily activities to keep themselves occupied. The couple's children are now grown-ups and have gone to live their separate lives, leaving their parents alone. Additionally, Mrs. Burridge feels more isolated because Frank is no longer romantic, making her think of the worst and always worry about the possibility of the reoccurrence of the apocalypse that can destroy their lives. The reader notes that Mrs. Burridge and her husband, Frank, are not social. Therefore, they spend most of their time isolated from the community.

What is the symbolic meaning of the calendar Mrs. Burridge is marking?

The calendar symbolizes the time that Mrs. Burridge thinks she has wasted in her life. The calendar's purpose in real life is to track important times and events in life. However, when Mrs. Burridge looks at the calendar, she regrets it because she thinks her life has been wasted. One of the things that disgusts Mrs. Burridge is repeatedly doing similar things every day, which makes her unproductive.

Why is Mrs. Burridge concerned about her husband, Frank?

Mrs. Burridge and her husband have lived together happily and brought up a respectable family. However, Mrs. Burridge is worried because Frank is no longer romantic, and he is not protecting her. Therefore, Mrs. Burridge feels empty, and her married life is losing meaning. On the other hand, Frank no longer sees the reason for romance because that is what they have done for most of their lives.