Margaret Atwood to be awarded honorary degree by University of Athens
On December 9, Canadian author Margaret Atwood will receive an honorary degree from the University of Athens at a ceremony at the Consulate General of Greece in Toronto. Robert Peck, Canada’s ambassador to Greece, saluted the gesture in an official statement. “Margaret Atwood is one of Canada’s most celebrated authors and her works are well known in Greece,” noted Peck. “As we mark the conclusion of events marking the 70th anniversary of Canada-Greece diplomatic relations, we celebrate this special tribute together.”
He went on to express his appreciation for the Hellenic Heritage Foundation for its generosity in making it possible for University of Athens representatives to travel to Toronto.
Greek mythology features prominently in Atwood’s literature. Her 2005 novel “The Penelopiad” retells the events of Homer’s “Odyssey” from the perspective of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife.
