In "The Year of the Flood," a pervasive sense of sadness looms over the characters and the narrative. This emotional weight reflects the consequences of ecological disasters and societal collapse. The characters navigate a world filled with loss and despair, suggesting that the environment and social structures deeply impact personal well-being.
Atwood's observation that "Everyone's too sad for everything" highlights the collective grief experienced by individuals in her story. This sentiment emphasizes how the interconnectedness of human experiences can amplify feelings of melancholy, affecting community dynamics and personal identities. The novel captures a world where hope is scarce, yet the resilience of some characters offers glimpses of light amidst the darkness.