How much misery…how much needless despair has been caused by a series of biological mismatches, a misalignment of the hormones and pheromones? Resulting in the fact that the one you love so passionately won't or can't love you. As a species we're pathetic in that way: imperfectly monogamous. If only we could pair-bond for life, like gibbons, or else opt for total-guilt free promiscuity, there'd be no more sexual torment. You'd never want someone you couldn't have' '…But think what we'd be giving up…we'd be human robots…there'd be no free choice.' '…we're human robots anyway, only we're faulty ones.
In the realm of human emotions and relationships, a significant amount of suffering stems from biological mismatches, where hormones and pheromones do not align. This often leads to unreciprocated love, causing distress and despair. Atwood suggests that our species struggles with the imperfections of monogamy, which can lead to emotional turmoil. If we could form lifelong bonds like some animals or choose casual relationships without guilt, we would perhaps avoid the pain that comes with unattainable desire.
However, such a shift would mean sacrificing vital aspects of what it means to be human. While Atwood compares humans to faulty robots, she highlights that our free will and capacity for choice are essential to our humanity. The complexity of love, desire, and the emotional struggles that arise from these mismatches define our experiences. Although imperfect, our ability to make choices and feel deeply ultimately shapes our existence.
