In "The Handmaid's Tale," Margaret Atwood explores the theme of pain and its transient nature. The quote "But who can remember pain, once it's over?" suggests that the immediate experience of suffering can fade from memory over time. This reflection emphasizes how human beings often find it challenging to recall their past hardships once they have been alleviated, which can lead to a sense of detachment from those experiences. Atwood's narrative suggests that while pain may be a powerful and defining experience in the moment, its impact can diminish, allowing individuals to move forward. This idea raises questions about the role of memory in shaping our identities and how we cope with trauma. Understanding pain involves not only experiencing it but also reflecting on its place in our lives and how it influences our perception of past events.

In "The Handmaid's Tale," Margaret Atwood explores the theme of pain and its transient nature. The quote "But who can remember pain, once it's over?" suggests that the immediate experience of suffering can fade from memory over time. This reflection emphasizes how human beings often find it challenging to recall their past hardships once they have been alleviated, which can lead to a sense of detachment from those experiences.

Atwood's narrative suggests that while pain may be a powerful and defining experience in the moment, its impact can diminish, allowing individuals to move forward. This idea raises questions about the role of memory in shaping our identities and how we cope with trauma. Understanding pain involves not only experiencing it but also reflecting on its place in our lives and how it influences our perception of past events.