I wish to show you the darkness you are so afraid of. Trust me. This darkness is a place you can enter and be as safe in as you are anywhere; you can put one foot in front of the other and believe the sides of your eyes. Memorize it. You will know it again in your own time. When the appearances of things have left you, you will still have this darkness. Something of your own you can carry with you.
In this excerpt, the author invites the reader to confront the darkness that often brings fear. She presents this darkness not as a threat, but as a space for exploration and safety. By encouraging trust, she suggests that embracing this shadowy realm can lead to personal growth and understanding. The idea is to step into the unknown with confidence, symbolizing a journey of self-discovery.
The imagery of memorizing darkness emphasizes its importance as a personal refuge. Atwood conveys that even when external appearances fade, this internalized darkness remains a source of strength. It becomes something that individuals can carry with them, a reminder of resilience and the transformative power of facing one's fears.