I lie flat, the damp air above me like a lid. Like earth. I wish it would rain. Better still, a thunderstorm, black clouds, lightning, ear-splitting sound.
In "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, the protagonist describes a feeling of entrapment, as if the weight of the damp air is suffocating her. This imagery evokes a sense of stifling oppression, highlighting her desire for the release of a thunderstorm. The longing for rain symbolizes a yearning for cleansing and freedom amid a bleak environment. The protagonist is caught in a world where hope seems distant.
The mention of fierce weather elements like black clouds and lightning signifies her wish for disruption in her constrained reality. This contrast between her flat position and the dynamic nature of a thunderstorm reflects her inner turmoil and desire for change. Ultimately, it underscores her struggle against the oppressive forces surrounding her, emphasizing her craving for liberation and emotional intensity.
