Death by Landscape is a short story by Margaret Atwood, first published in 1990. The story is narrated by Lois, a middle-aged woman who is reflecting on a traumatic event from her teenage years.
The story takes place at a summer camp for girls, where Lois and her friend, Lucy, are the only two remaining campers. The other girls have all gone home, and the counselors have left for the weekend. Lois and Lucy are left to fend for themselves in the wilderness, and they decide to go on a canoe trip.
As they paddle down the river, Lois and Lucy discuss their plans for the future and their hopes for their lives. Lois is excited about the prospect of going to college and becoming an artist, while Lucy is more hesitant, unsure of what she wants to do.
As they continue their journey, they come across a stunning landscape of rolling hills and forests. They are mesmerized by the beauty of the wilderness and decide to set up camp for the night.
The next morning, Lois wakes up to find that Lucy has disappeared. She searches for her friend, calling out her name and looking for any sign of her. She eventually finds Lucy's abandoned canoe and some of her belongings, but there is no trace of Lucy herself.
Lois is left to wonder what happened to her friend, and the story ends with her standing on the banks of the river, looking out at the landscape and thinking about the mysteries of the wilderness.
Death by Landscape is a poignant and haunting tale that explores themes of loss, grief, and the power of the natural world. Atwood's writing is evocative and atmospheric, and she captures the beauty and mystery of the wilderness in a way that is both striking and unsettling.
The story also touches on deeper questions about the nature of friendship and the choices we make in life. Lois and Lucy's conversation about their future plans highlights the different paths that people can take, and the uncertainty that can come with making those choices.
Overall, Death by Landscape is a beautifully written and thought-provoking story that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it.