How Protagonist Responsible for Conflict

To what extent is the protagonist of the story “Death by landscape” responsible for the conflict or predicament she faces?

In Margaret Atwood’s short story “Death by landscape” Lois is the protagonist. The protagonist’s lifelong conflict in dealing with a childhood accident is partially self-inflicted, but the severity of the tragic incident and other circumstances must be analyzed to determine her responsibility for her current state. This essay will analyze the various influences causing Lois’ guilt and obsession over the accidental death of her childhood friend Lucy. These influences include how Lucy disappeared without a trace, the camp staff’s accusations towards Lois, her relationship with Lucy, and her age and vulnerability at the time of accident. Finally, her actions and decisions as an adult will be analyzed as they relate to her childhood experience.

Lucy disappears in a strange way and is the only reason of Lois’ unhappiness and disappointment. The loss and feelings of guilt and bereavement remain vivid and painful to Lois forever. The northern wilderness adds to her feelings of distress and shock. “She would never go up north, to Rob’s cottage or to any place with wild lakes and wild trees and the calls of loons” (35). As a result she spends her life looking for her friend in paintings of endless trees, rocks, and lakes. She describes that “looking at them fills her with a wordless unease” (25).

Lois was blamed for the death of her good friend Lucy. The interrogation undergone by Lois adds to her permanent dread. “Cappie (the camp leader) wanted Lois to supply the reason, to be the reason.” (35). She was looking for a confession from a thirteen year old, scared girl. She feels that she is the only one to bear the responsibility, “But she felt she had been tried and sentenced, and this is what has stayed with her” (35).

Lois’ relationship with Lucy plays a key role in her present feelings. She considered Lucy a good friend and admired her...