In Margaret Atwood's "Oryx and Crake," the quote "When the water's moving faster than the boat, you can't control a thing" reflects the themes of chaos and helplessness faced by the characters. It suggests that when circumstances evolve beyond one's capacity to manage them, a sense of loss and inevitability takes over. This serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of life and the consequences of unchecked advancements in science and technology.

The narrative illustrates how individuals grapple with the rapid changes in their environment that can lead to disorientation and despair. Atwood uses this metaphor to underscore the struggle for control amidst turbulent societal shifts, emphasizing that, ultimately, some factors remain beyond human influence.