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Reading Response 1
(Un)Reliability in Alias Grace
(Re)interpretation, (Re)discovery, (Re)vision – Neo-Victorian Fiction
Winter Semester 2023-2024
Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace immerses readers in the mid-19th century, capturing the
Victorian era's social, political, and cultural intricacies. The vivid portrayal of Grace Marks, a
notorious 19th-century Canadian woman, convicted of murder, reflects the societal norms and
challenges of the Victorian period. Atwood employs postmodern techniques to expose the
unreliability of historical accounts. This essay argues and challenges (un)reliability as a
central element in the novel, exploring the multifaceted nature of Grace Marks's identity and
the broader implications for understanding historical events.
The central theme of (un)reliability is woven into the narrative of Alias Grace. As
Heilmann and Llewellyn argue; “one might posit the idea that the attempt towards accuracy
and its contingent authenticity is also in a problematic alignment in the case of contemporary
encounters with the Victorian period”, which suggests a concern about the reliability of the
information or interpretations. In Alias Grace the reader is confronted with conflicting
versions of events, one of them surrounding the murders at McKinnear's house, forcing them
to question the integrity of each account. Dr. Jordan's quest to uncover the truth becomes a
symbolic representation of the broader challenge of interpreting historical realities. In his
pursuit of truth, the novel states, "to wake the part of her mind that lies dormant - to probe
down below the threshold of her consciousness, and to discover the memories that must
perforce lie buried there" (p. 143). The very act of probing Grace's mind underscores the
nature of truth, inviting readers to question the reliability of her recollections.
Grace Marks's identity emerges as a complex and contradictory construction within
the narrative. Atwood fragments her characterization, presenting readers with a mosaic of
overlapping identities. Grace herself reflects on the inconsistency of the portrayals made by
various figures in authority, stating, "I wonder, how can I be all of these different things at
once?" (p. 22). This reflection underscores the inherent unreliability of external perspectives.
The manipulation of Grace's morning description serves as a reminder that narratives,
even seemingly reliable ones, can be constructed and altered. Grace confesses, "In fact I have
no idea of what kind of a sunrise there was." (p. 259). This revelation challenges readers to
question the authenticity of the entire narrative, blurring the line between fact and fiction.
The theme of (un)reliability is not confined to the narrative itself; it becomes a subject
of discussion among the characters. Dr. Jordan doubts the reliability of Grace's narration
since he wonders whether he can trust her to tell the truth. Other characters, such as Reverend
Verringer and lawyer MacKenzie, hold their positions regarding her account. This internal
debate among characters mirrors the broader questioning of historical truths, emphasizing the
novel's engagement with the complexities of reliability.

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 In conclusion, Alias Grace serves as a compelling example of Neo-Victorian literature
that challenges the reliability of historical narratives. Margaret Atwood weaves a narrative
where every account, including Grace Marks's, is subject to critical observation. The novel's
exploration of (un)reliability encourages readers to critically engage with the past and
underscores the enduring relevance of Victorian concerns in the modern age. Through the
lens of Grace Marks's character, Atwood prompts readers to question the nature of historical
truths, inviting them to navigate the intricate web of deception and uncertainty that defines
the novel.

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Works Cited
Atwood, Margaret. Alias Grace. McClelland & Stewart, 1996.
Heilmann, A., & Llewellyn, M.. Neo-Victorianism: The Victorians in the Twenty-First

Century, 1999–2009. Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230281691