The Year of the Flood
By Margaret Atwood
Nan A. Talese Doubleday (2009) ISBN: 9780385528771
Nan A. Talese Doubleday (2009) ISBN: 9780385528771
Set in an eerily familiar, but futuristic world, the second book of Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy, The Year of the Flood, tells the story of the waterless flood--a disease pandemic--that strikes the earth during the year twenty-five and destroys almost all human life. According to God’s Gardeners, a religious sect led by Adam One, the waterless flood is meant to restore the earth from the devastation that the corporations created. The “flood” draws upon biblical undertones and modern-day concerns of global destruction, both from disease and environmental destruction. After the flood, the Gardeners share how they survived the flood by relying on their “old world” methods of survival. Among the survivors are: Toby, a young girl who was trapped in a world-class spa, and Ren, an exotic dance who was trapped in an upscale gentlemen’s club. Reluctant to remain imprisoned, Ren and Toby attempt to navigate this new world, complete with genetically modified creatures.
Quantitative: Lexile Level--NA; ATOS--6.2
Qualitative: Atwood uses two literary techniques that make this book hard to comprehend. One--A dual narration makes the story more complex for a novice reader. This, coupled with the use of biblical language and allusions, would make this book more appropriately suited for high school students. Two--”Time travel” within the book could complicate the narrative for a reader. Atwood employs flashbacks and flash-forwards that draw from the first novel, Oryx and Crake. Furthermore, the novel’s plot relies heavily on the surviving characters and their development. Because of the novel’s access points related to environmental destruction and religion, prior knowledge may be necessary to fully comprehend the novel’s themes. The Year of the Flood and its sister books would be best for high school students.
Content Area: English; Science--Biology; Environmental Science; Government.
Curriculum Suggestions: When a book has as many layers as The Year of the Flood, it is relatively easy to formulate the various ways this novel can support curriculum:
For English—1) Students can examine Atwood’s use of time and how it either adds or detracts from the narrative as a whole. Students can then write their own piece of fiction where they mimic Atwood’s technique.
2) Bible and literature—Analyze the various hymns, Bible verses, and Noah’s encounter with the Great Flood. How does the Bible deepen students’ understanding of Atwood’s novel? Compare and contrast the stories and connect the ideas and concepts presented.
For Science—1) Due to the book’s presentation of global devastation, students could research the various concerns scientists have regarding the Earth’s health. How off-base is Atwood’s futuristic construct? Why is does the book resonant with readers when looking through a scientific lens?
2) Genetic Engineering—Scientists have been experimenting with cell division and regeneration for quite some time. Students could conduct research on the animals and plants that have been created as a result. How has science mimicked God? How far-fetched are the creatures Atwood imagines in the novel?
For Government—Students could read the novel through a political lens. By considering the aspects of the dystopian society presented in The Year of the Flood, students can compare forms of government and the lessons we learn from them. With parallels to Huxley’s A Brave New World and Orwell’s 1984, the novel serves as a thematic extension of these core literature texts.
Common Core Standards: RST 11/12.1-5; 9
Additional/Digital Content:
- Genetic engineering and its dangers-- http://online.sfsu.edu/rone/GEessays/gedanger.htm#ESSAYS ON GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD
MaddAddam Trilogy-- Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood, and MaddAddam
*Meets the “Reading for Pleasure HS/MS” requirement
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