In Margaret Atwood's "Moral Disorder and Other Stories," the narrative explores the complexities of female body image and societal perceptions. The quote highlights a distinction between breasts and bums, suggesting that breasts, being visible and in front, allow women a sense of control over how they are perceived. This visibility affords them the ability to present themselves more deliberately to the outside world.

Conversely, Atwood points out that bums, which are concealed and positioned behind, represent notions of lawlessness and freedom from societal scrutiny. The inability to manage this aspect of the body with the same effectiveness as the breasts underscores a broader theme of the female experience and the constraints imposed by society. This juxtaposition invites reflections on self-image and the influence of cultural norms on women's bodies.