Disasters of War : A Sequel By Margaret Atwood (Grades 7-9)

Margaret Atwood, one of Canada’s most acclaimed writers, is celebrated for her sharp insight into power, humanity, and survival. Her poem “Disasters of War: A Sequel” reflects on the enduring cycles of violence and the moral costs of conflict. Drawing inspiration from historical atrocities and modern warfare, Atwood exposes how humanity’s progress often coexists with its capacity for destruction. Through stark imagery and precise language, she challenges readers to confront complacency and question notions of civilization. Like much of her work, “Disasters of War: A Sequel” merges political awareness with lyrical intensity, reaffirming Atwood’s status as a master of social commentary.