The quote reflects the deep emotional connection humans have with familiarity and the instinctual desire to possess what feels safe or known. It captures a sense of longing that resonates with the innate human need for attachment and security. The exclamatory nature of "Mine! Mine!" emphasizes how strongly individuals cling to familiar things, suggesting a vulnerability tied to emotional ties and personal identity.

In Margaret Atwood's "The Year of the Flood," this longing is likely linked to the themes of survival and the human experience in a world facing drastic change. The emphasis on emotional clinging reveals the struggle between the desire for stability and the reality of an unpredictable environment, highlighting how deeply ingrained attachments influence behavior in times of crisis.