I tell myself it doesn't matter, your name is like your telephone number, useful only to others; but what I tell myself is wrong, it does matter.
The quote from "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood reflects a deep internal conflict concerning identity and the significance of one's name. The speaker attempts to trivialize the importance of their name by comparing it to a telephone number—merely a label for others' convenience. This suggests a desire to detach from societal labels and expectations, which often defines individuals by their names.
However, the realization that "it does matter" indicates a struggle with self-worth and recognition. Names carry personal history and meaning, shaping one's identity and sense of belonging. Ultimately, the quote poignantly encapsulates the tension between the desire for anonymity and the inherent need for recognition and significance in one's life.
