Chapter summaries The Margaret Atwood 4-Book Bundle Margaret Atwood

Chapter 158 (Chapter 14): Roz’s Domain – Business, Class, and Memory

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Roz drives her Benz to work, avoiding the attention the Rolls would draw. She reflects on the difference between old and new money, recalling how she once tried to be inconspicuous but now feels free to be herself. The Rolls, left over from her ex-husband Mitch, sits mostly unused; she drove it to Zenia’s memorial out of spite. On the way, she passes through Rosedale and the university campus, remembering her youthful enthusiasm. At her office in a converted brewery, she greets the receptionists and her assistant, Boyce. Boyce is gay, impeccably formal, and deeply competent. They review stock performance and a potential investment in Lookmakers cosmetics. Roz thinks about her loneliness, her children, and Mitch. After the meeting, she impulsively shows Boyce a photo of Zenia, pretending it’s for a modeling job. Boyce dismisses Zenia as “overdone” and “old hat,” bringing Roz relief. The chapter ends with Roz feeling grateful for Boyce.

Key Events

  • Roz chooses her Benz over the Rolls to avoid drawing attention.
  • She drives through Toronto, reflecting on social class and her past.
  • She arrives at her office, a converted brewery, and interacts with staff.
  • She meets with Boyce, her gay assistant, who provides stock advice and witty literary quotations.
  • The two review a pitch from Lookmakers, a cosmetics company Roz considers investing in.
  • After the meeting, Roz shows Boyce a photo of Zenia, asking his opinion; he criticizes it.
  • Roz feels a surge of relief and appreciation for Boyce.

Character Development

  • Roz: Revealed as a savvy businesswoman who still feels insecure about her “new money” origins. She struggles with loneliness, guilt over Mitch, and the lingering impact of Zenia. Her relationship with Boyce shows her need for both competence and emotional support.
  • Boyce: Introduced as Roz’s assistant. He is gay, formal, witty, and protective of Roz. He uses literary quotes to communicate, respects hierarchy, and is ambitious. His easy dismissal of Zenia’s photo provides Roz with a moment of catharsis.
  • Zenia (offstage): Remains a haunting presence in Roz’s life, symbolizing betrayal and loss. The photo of her triggers guilt and memories, but Boyce’s reaction deflates her power.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Class and Money: The contrast between old and new money is central. Roz’s thoughts on the Rolls, her beige clothing phase, and her current confidence highlight the fluidity of class in Canada.
  • Gender and Power: Roz’s reflections on being a woman boss—how female subordinates treat her differently than they would a man—underscore gender dynamics in the workplace.
  • Appearance versus Reality: The photo of Zenia is described as “a studio portrait” meant to project allure; Boyce sees it as dated and artificial. This motif recurs when Roz considers the “look” of buildings and clothing.
  • Memory and Guilt: Roz’s guilt over Mitch and Zenia surfaces throughout the chapter. The Rolls, the photo, and the mention of Zenia’s memorial service all evoke unresolved grief.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens Roz’s characterization, showing her as both a tough negotiator and a lonely, guilt-ridden person. It introduces Boyce, a key supporting character who provides comic relief and practical help while also highlighting Roz’s need for loyalty. The meditation on money and class enriches the novel’s social commentary. Most importantly, the chapter dramatizes Roz’s ongoing struggle to exorcise Zenia’s influence—Boyce’s casual dismissal of the photo offers a small but significant victory.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. How does Roz’s internal monologue about money reflect her personal history? Roz contrasts “old money” (whispering, beige) with “new money” (shouting, desperate). She recalls learning to keep her voice down and wear neutral colors to fit in, but now feels secure enough to “shriek” and wear orange. This shows her journey from insecurity to comfort, though she still identifies with “new money” and uses that perspective in business.

  2. What role does Boyce play in Roz’s life, both professionally and emotionally? Professionally, Boyce is indispensable: he screens calls, analyzes stocks, and offers sharp business advice. Emotionally, he provides Roz with a safe, nonsexual male companionship. His formal demeanor and witty references entertain her, and his dismissal of Zenia’s photo gives Roz relief from guilt. He also fills a gap left by her absent husband and grown children.

  3. Why does Roz show Boyce the photo of Zenia, and what is her reaction to his critique? Roz rummages for the photo in a moment of impulsivity, still haunted by Zenia. She frames it as a modeling test, but really seeks Boyce’s validation to diminish Zenia’s power. When he says the photo looks like “a wig” and is “vieux jeu,” Roz feels relief, crying internally with gratitude. This moment suggests that having someone dismiss Zenia’s mystique helps Roz reclaim a sense of control.

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