The quote "The doctor tapped my ribs and eavesdropped on my heart" from Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin" highlights the intimate relationship between the patient and the physician. It suggests that the doctor's actions are not merely clinical, but also a form of deep observation and understanding. Through the simple act of tapping and listening, the doctor is portrayed as someone who seeks to uncover hidden truths about the patient's health and perhaps their deeper emotions.

This imagery evokes a sense of vulnerability, as the act of eavesdropping implies a breach of privacy, emphasizing how patients expose their inner selves to doctors. It reflects on the complexities of human connection, where health concerns often intertwine with personal stories. Atwood's choice of words encapsulates the nuanced dynamics of care and the profound impact of medical interventions on our sense of self.