In "Oryx and Crake," Margaret Atwood explores the theme of fate and the importance of reciprocity in relationships. The quote implies a belief in the need to offer something in return, especially when faced with a potentially harmful situation. By suggesting that giving money when receiving a knife can mitigate bad luck, it speaks to the idea of balancing exchanges to ward off misfortune. This perspective highlights a cultural practice of warding off negativity through gestures of goodwill. It reveals the narrator's care for Jimmy, emphasizing a protective instinct against adverse outcomes. The sentiment reflects a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human interactions and their influence on one’s destiny.

In "Oryx and Crake," Margaret Atwood explores the theme of fate and the importance of reciprocity in relationships. The quote implies a belief in the need to offer something in return, especially when faced with a potentially harmful situation. By suggesting that giving money when receiving a knife can mitigate bad luck, it speaks to the idea of balancing exchanges to ward off misfortune.

This perspective highlights a cultural practice of warding off negativity through gestures of goodwill. It reveals the narrator's care for Jimmy, emphasizing a protective instinct against adverse outcomes. The sentiment reflects a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human interactions and their influence on one’s destiny.