The prospect of his future life stretched before him like a sentence; not a prison sentence, but a long-winded sentence with a lot of unnecessary subordinate clauses
The quote from "Oryx and Crake" by Margaret Atwood captures the protagonist's sense of entrapment in his own life. He perceives his future as a convoluted sentence, suggesting it is filled with complexities and complications that weigh heavily on him. This imagery implies that he feels burdened, not by a definitive punishment but rather by an ambiguous and intricate path filled with distractions and excess.
In this metaphor, the "unnecessary subordinate clauses" represent the various challenges and societal constraints that complicate his life. It indicates a longing for clarity and simplicity, reflecting a deep-seated unease about the choices he faces. Overall, the quote highlights the character's struggle with the existential worries tied to his life trajectory and the overwhelming nature of contemporary existence.
