Even sex was no longer what it had once been, though he was still as addicted to it as ever. He felt jerked around by his own dick, as if the rest of him was merely an inconsequential knob that happened to be attached to one end of it. Maybe the thing would be happier if left to roam around on its own.
The protagonist in "Oryx and Crake" experiences a profound disconnection from his own sexuality, which he perceives as a once-fulfilling aspect of life that has now lost its significance. Despite his addiction to sex, he feels like a mere puppet, controlled by his desires rather than a complete and integrated person. This sense of detachment makes him question the purpose and value of his physical needs.
This internal struggle reveals a deeper commentary on the objectification of desire and the way it can dominate one’s existence. The protagonist's wish for his desires to be independent highlights a longing for autonomy, suggesting that what once seemed like a natural part of human experience is now a source of confusion and frustration. Atwood's exploration of sexuality reflects broader themes of alienation and the impact of society on individual identity.
