We've learned to see the world in gasps.
In "The Handmaid's Tale," Margaret Atwood explores the pervasive theme of societal control and its impact on individual perception. The quote "We've learned to see the world in gasps" suggests a fragmented and heightened awareness shaped by constant fear and oppression. Characters experience reality in abrupt moments, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of living under a repressive regime.
This perspective emphasizes how totalitarian environments distort human experience, forcing individuals to react in shock rather than engage with their surroundings fully. Atwood's portrayal serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing power to strip away autonomy and the ability to perceive the world freely.
