In the book "Oryx and Crake" by Margaret Atwood, the author presents toast as a bizarre and pointless creation from a distant time. It is depicted as an object of torment, forcing individuals to confess their past misdeeds and regrets in a public setting. The implications suggest that toast evokes intense memories and feelings of guilt, similar to an ancient form of punishment.

Additionally, toast is portrayed as a peculiar ritualistic item, consumed by individuals who believe it enhances their physical and sexual capabilities. This perspective on toast defies logical explanation, highlighting its surreal and almost mythical qualities in the narrative. Atwood uses this imagery to explore themes of obsession and the irrational aspects of human behavior.