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.