In "Oryx and Crake" by Margaret Atwood, the protagonist grapples with the torment of his past and the grim reality of his present circumstances. He is caught in a state of despair, unable to reclaim what he has lost, while the present looms as a source of destruction should he confront it too directly. This existential conflict highlights his struggle with time and memory, as he is paralyzed by both regret and fear. The future, on the other hand, offers a disturbing sense of uncertainty that leaves him feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. The idea of what lies ahead creates a sense of sheer vertigo, accentuating the complexity of his emotions as he navigates through his memories, current struggles, and the unknown that awaits him. The interplay between these temporal states underscores the profound challenges he faces in reconciling his existence within a world rife with chaos and change.