In Margaret Atwood's "Alias Grace," the protagonist is depicted as a vulnerable figure, stripped of dignity and autonomy. The quote reflects a deep sense of exposure, as the character becomes an object of other people's scrutiny and desires. This vulnerability is compounded by the fear of being manipulated or transformed by those who hold power over her, emphasizing her precarious position in society.

The imagery of being "rendered unconscious" and "lying exposed" suggests a profound loss of agency. As onlookers assess her situation with widening eyes, it highlights the interplay between voyeurism and victimization. The character feels at the mercy of others, which speaks to broader themes of control, exploitation, and the fragility of femininity in a patriarchal context.