In Margaret Atwood's "Surfacing," the author explores the theme of human existence through a lens of absurdity. The narrator grapples with the feeling that reason and rationality have lost their significance in a chaotic world. This perspective challenges conventional ideas about how to interpret life and personal experiences, as the standards by which we measure truth and sanity seem to dissolve.

The quote reflects a fundamental existential crisis, highlighting a disconnect between human perception and reality. As characters confront the irrational aspects of life, they must navigate their emotional landscapes, finding meaning in experiences that defy logical explanation. Atwood's work invites readers to reflect on their own interpretations of reality amidst uncertainty.