In Margaret Atwood's "Oryx and Crake," the protagonist experiences a deep emotional connection to words, viewing them almost as lost children. This perspective reflects a sense of responsibility and compassion towards language, suggesting that he feels a duty to save and nurture these expressions that might otherwise remain overlooked or forgotten.

This relationship with words highlights the importance of communication and the power of language in shaping human experience. By perceiving words as vulnerable entities that need protection, the protagonist emphasizes the fragility of meaning in a world where language can easily be disregarded.