The sentiment expressed in this quote from Margaret Atwood's "Cat's Eye" reveals a deep-seated aversion towards the city in which the speaker resides. The speaker's hatred is so profound and long-standing that it has overshadowed any previous positive feelings about the place. This indicates a complicated relationship with the environment, shaped by negative experiences and memories.

Atwood's poignant words highlight a sense of entrapment and disillusionment that can come from living in a place one despises. Through this lens, the city becomes more than just a physical location; it transforms into a symbol of lost happiness and unfulfilled expectations that have accumulated over time.