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What is Atwood saying about writing fiction when she says that's about all that can be said for plots. How and why?

Great discussion board question!

I believe Atwood is using sarcasm to say that plots can only go a certain number of ways, and those ways, she describes in all of her scenarios in "Happy Endings."   She gives potential scenarios for two young lovers, including a perfectly happy ending to very unhappy ones involving affairs, etc.  Perhaps Atwood felt that a good portion of stories were predictable and there was no originality or unique writing at the time. 

Also, Atwood is pointing out how all stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end.  The middle of the story can be many different things, and this is where authors have flexibility.  However, in the end, the couple die, as they always will.  There is a cycle of life, and all of us will die, as John and Mary do (her characters).