The quote "We have learned to see the world in gasps" from Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" reflects the intense experiences of the characters in a dystopian society. It suggests that their perception of reality is marked by moments of shock and disbelief, as they navigate a world filled with oppression and loss. Each gasp signifies not only physical breath but also a reaction to the harshness of their existence and the abrupt changes they face daily.

This perspective highlights the emotional and psychological strain that the characters endure. In a regime that systematically strips away their identities and freedoms, every moment becomes a struggle for survival, leading to reactions that are visceral and immediate. Atwood's writing emphasizes the fragility of their lives, where hope is often overshadowed by despair, making these gasps emblematic of their attempt to grasp the remnants of life as they once knew it.