In "The Handmaid's Tale," Margaret Atwood captures the relentless emotional struggle of the protagonist, who reflects on a profound sense of emptiness. This feeling recurs in her life, symbolizing a deep longing and loss. The imagery of the heart's waves conveys both a sense of continuity and the pain inflicted by these experiences, suggesting that the character is caught in a cycle of sorrow and remembrance.

The phrase illustrates her internal battle as she grapples with her emotions, marked by the contrasting imagery of saltiness and redness. It signifies a mixture of pain and vitality, emphasizing how her heart continues to feel despite the surrounding emptiness. Ultimately, it reflects the resilience of the human spirit against a backdrop of despair.