I hunger to commit the act of touch.
In Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," the protagonist expresses a deep longing for physical connection and intimacy. The quote "I hunger to commit the act of touch" reflects the character's emotional and physical deprivation in a dystopian society where personal freedoms are severely restricted. Touch symbolizes not only a basic human need but also a form of rebellion against an oppressive regime that seeks to control and isolate individuals.
This desire for touch illustrates the struggle between the innate human desire for connection and the harsh realities of a world that enforces separation and control. The act of touch becomes a potent symbol of resistance, reminding readers of the fundamental need for intimacy and the importance of personal agency in an environment designed to suppress both. Atwood's poignant writing brings to life the complexities of relationships in a fractured society.
