This thing I'm doing can hardly be called living. Instead I'm lying dormant, like a bacterium in a glacier. Getting time over with. That's all.
The quote expresses a deep sense of stagnation and disconnection from life, comparing the speaker's existence to that of a dormant bacterium encased in ice. This metaphor highlights how the individual feels trapped in a state of passivity, merely enduring time rather than actively engaging with it. They reflect on their life as if it's merely a waiting period, lacking vitality and purpose.
By framing their experience in this way, the speaker conveys a feeling of despair and resignation. The imagery of being frozen suggests a loss of hope and ambition, where time drags on without meaning. This depiction resonates with themes of isolation and the struggle to find one’s place in a world that feels indifferent to their existence. Atwood's narrative captures the essence of a life lived in limbo, encouraging readers to contemplate the value of truly living versus merely existing.