The phrase "I feel like the word shatter" from Margaret Atwood's novel, The Handmaid's Tale, encapsulates a profound sense of fragility and the impact of traumatic experiences. It signifies a moment of emotional breaking, reflecting the character's internal struggle and the overwhelming weight of oppression. The word choice evokes imagery of something once whole being fragmented, paralleling the disintegration of personal identity under authoritarian control.

This line emphasizes the central themes of the novel, including the loss of autonomy and the psychological toll of living in a repressive society. Atwood's exploration of shattered lives serves as a powerful commentary on the resilience of the human spirit amidst systemic violence. The emotional resonance of "shatter" highlights the critical need for understanding and empathy in the face of such experiences.