You say, Do you / love me, do you love me / I answer you: / I stretch your arms out / one to either side, / your head slumps forward.
In Margaret Atwood's "Power Politics," the exploration of love is intertwined with themes of power and vulnerability. The quote signifies a moment of emotional inquiry, where one individual seeks affirmation from another about their feelings. This interaction highlights the deep connection between love and self-expression, as well as the physical gestures that often accompany profound emotional exchanges.
The imagery of stretching arms and a slumping head conveys both openness and surrender in relationships. It depicts a dynamic where one person is reaching out, perhaps seeking reassurance, while the other is in a state of submission. Atwood’s language encapsulates the complexities of intimacy, suggesting that love involves both strength and fragility, a duality evident in human connection.
