The quote from Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin" highlights the idea that the concept of the "end of the world" is relative and subjective. While some may focus on apocalyptic scenarios on a grand scale, for many, each day brings personal struggles and challenges that feel like their own end-of-the-world moments. This perspective emphasizes the ongoing cycle of suffering experienced by individuals, suggesting that we often overlook the daily battles faced by others.
Atwood's words invite readers to reflect on the relentless passage of time and its impact on human experience. As time progresses, so do our challenges and adversities; when these difficulties become overwhelming, they can make us feel as if we are drowning. This poignant metaphor serves as a reminder that existential crises can be encountered in the mundane aspects of life, and that we should be mindful of the unseen struggles that others face as they navigate their own personal "end of the world."