The statement from Margaret Atwood's "The Heart Goes Last" highlights a dire situation in a particular region where unemployment rates have soared to 40 percent. This distressing statistic is alarming, especially given that half of those affected are young individuals under twenty-five years old. Such high unemployment can lead to significant social unrest and instability, fostering an environment ripe for chaos and lawlessness.

Atwood warns that conditions of extreme joblessness can result in societal breakdown, where desperate individuals may resort to looting and violence. This type of upheaval not only threatens property and infrastructure but also puts vulnerable populations in jeopardy, as they may become targets of exploitation and abuse. The scenario she depicts reflects a grim reality that could emerge in regions plagued by high unemployment and lack of opportunity.