We offered her flowers and signalled to her with our penises, but she did not respond with joy.''The men with the extra skins didn't look happy. They looked angry.''We went towards them to greet them, but they ran away.'Snowman can imagine. The sight of these preternaturally calm, well-muscled men advancing en masse, singing their unusual music, green eyes glowing, blue penises waving in unison, both hands outstretched like extras in a zombie film, would have to have been alarming.
In "Oryx and Crake" by Margaret Atwood, a group of men attempts to appeal to a woman by offering flowers and displaying themselves, but their efforts go unreciprocated. Instead of eliciting joy, the situation intensifies, revealing the frustration of the men who feel rejected. This dynamic highlights themes of desire and miscommunication, showing how gestures of affection can be met with confusion or anger, showcasing the vulnerabilities of the characters.
Moreover, the imagery presented evokes a vivid and somewhat surreal scene. Snowman observes these strangely calm, well-built men with unusual features singing and approaching with unsettling enthusiasm. Their glowing green eyes and peculiar physicality create an eerie atmosphere, akin to a horror narrative. This juxtaposition emphasizes the tension between human emotions and bizarre social behaviors, further deepening the exploration of identity and societal norms within the novel.
