Margaret Atwood’s poem “The City Planners” is a scathing critique of the actions of the City Planners, whom she portrays in a highly negative light. Through the use of various literary techniques, Atwood vividly conveys her distaste for the compelling actions of the City Planners, creating a sense of discomfort and unease in the poem.

One of the ways Atwood expresses her criticism is through metaphorical language. She describes the City Planners as having “insane faces of political conspirators” and being scattered over unsurveyed territories. This metaphorical portrayal suggests that their actions are irrational, secretive, and manipulative. By comparing them to conspirators, Atwood implies that the City Planners’ actions are deceitful and harmful, further emphasizing her distaste for their behavior.