In Jodi Picoult's "Handle with Care," the protagonist grapples with deep feelings of shame and isolation. Using the metaphor of drawing over her skin like a violin bow, she expresses the pain of unspoken struggles, suggesting that her emotional turmoil remains unheard and unacknowledged. This imagery evokes a sense of vulnerability and the desire to convey inner pain, yet feeling silenced by societal judgment.

The quote emphasizes the disconnection between one's internal experience and external perception. Despite her efforts to express her feelings, the protagonist believes that her suffering goes unnoticed, reflecting a broader theme of how individuals often mask their true emotions to fit in. Through this narrative, Picoult explores the complexities of personal struggles and the longing for understanding in a world that often overlooks them.