The quote from Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" emphasizes the interdependence of light and shadow, suggesting that one cannot exist without the other. This duality symbolizes the complexities of human experience and the contrast between hope and despair. The presence of light signifies hope, freedom, and positivity, while shadows represent oppression, fear, and hardship. Together, they create a fuller understanding of life’s realities.

In the context of the novel, this quote encapsulates the struggles faced by the characters, particularly the protagonist, as they navigate a dystopian world. The light embodies the desire for liberation and individuality, while the shadows illustrate the harsh societal constraints imposed on them. Atwood uses this contrast to explore themes of power, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.