The quote from "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood reflects on the nature of escape. It suggests that physical flight is not the true fear; rather, it is the internal escapes that one can achieve through self-awareness or change. These internal transformations can be much more profound than any physical act of running away, indicating a deeper sense of liberation.

This idea emphasizes the struggle against societal constraints and the personal battles individuals face. Atwood's work often highlights themes of repression and the quest for autonomy, where true freedom is found not just in actions, but in the mental and emotional shifts that allow individuals to reclaim their identities and resist control.