In Margaret Atwood's "Cat's Eye," the phrase "Happy as a clam" is used to convey a sense of contentment. The speaker reflects on this saying with a personal twist, illustrating their happiness as being secure and protected, much like a clam within its shell.
This metaphor emphasizes not just a fleeting sense of joy, but a deeper, more resilient form of happiness. The speaker describes feeling not just happy, but encapsulated in a way that suggests a strong barrier against outside disturbances, indicating a profound connection to personal security and inner peace.