Margaret Atwood, in poems such as “The Moment” and “The Sad Child”, utilizes symbolism in order to reveal the true meaning behind philosophical themes while still maintaining a mysterious tone. For example, in the third stanza of “The Moment”, Atwood writes about, “planting the flag” in nature. This use of symbolism demonstrates how people mark nature as their property when it really isn’t. In this instance, the metaphorical use of “planting the flag” creates mystery and intrigue while also explaining why nature should not be considered as property. Furthermore, in fourth stanza of the poem “The Sad Child” she mentions “the red flame [...] seeping out of you.” The red flame acts as a symbol for life, and how in that moment life is leaving,
