“Every time the women appear, Snowman is astonished all over again. They're every known colour from the deepest black to whitest white, they're various heights, but each one of them is admirably proportioned. Each is sound of tooth, smooth of skin. No ripples of fat around their waists, no bulges, no dimpled orange-skin cellulite on their thighs. No body hair, no bushiness. They look like retouched fashion photos, or ads for a high priced workout program.Maybe this is the reason that these women arouse in Snowman not even the faintest stirrings of lust. It was the thumbprints of human imperfection that used to move him, the flaws in the design: the lopsided smile, the wart next to the navel, the mole, the bruise. These were the places he'd single out, putting his mouth on them. Was it consolation he'd had in mind, kissing the wound to make it better? There was always an element of melancholy involved in sex. After his indiscriminate adolescence he'd preferred sad women, delicate and breakable, women who'd been messed up and who needed him. He'd liked to comfort them, stroke them gently at first, reassure them. Make them happier, if only for a moment. Himself too, of course; that was the payoff. A grateful woman would go the extra mile. But these new women are neither lopsided nor sad: they're placid, like animated statues. They leave him chilled.”
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Quote Analysis
In this passage from Margaret Atwood's novel, "Oryx and Crake," the protagonist Snowman reflects on the new genetically engineered women in this dystopian world. Snowman is struck by the perfection of these women, who resemble retouched fashion models with flawless bodies and skin. However, despite their physical beauty, Snowman finds himself unaroused by them. He realizes that it was the imperfections and flaws in human design that used to attract him, as they made individuals unique and real. Snowman's past preference for sad, delicate women who needed him contrasts sharply with the emotionless, perfect women he now encounters. This passage highlights the theme of human imperfection and the complexities of desire in a world where genetic engineering has erased physical flaws and the authentic human experience.
Modern Relevance
In this passage from Margaret Atwood's "Oryx and Crake," the protagonist Snowman's lack of attraction towards the perfect, flawless women he encounters highlights the idea that human imperfections and vulnerabilities are often what make individuals truly appealing. In today's world, where societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards reign supreme, this concept serves as a reminder that it is our quirks, flaws, and imperfections that make us unique and real. Let's explore this idea further.
Example of Usage
In this excerpt from Margaret Atwood's novel, "Oryx and Crake," the protagonist Snowman reflects on his past relationships with women and his current indifference towards the genetically engineered women created by the society he now inhabits. The passage explores Snowman's nostalgia for imperfections and the complexities of human relationships.
Reflection Questions
In this passage from Margaret Atwood's novel, "Oryx and Crake," Snowman reflects on the women he encounters in the post-apocalyptic world and how they differ from the women he knew before. Consider the following questions to delve deeper into Snowman's observations and feelings:
- How do the descriptions of the women in this passage contrast with traditional norms of beauty and femininity in our society?
- How does Snowman's reaction to these flawless women reveal his own insecurities and desires for imperfection?
- In what ways does Snowman's past experiences with women shape his perception of the women he encounters now?
- What do Snowman's preferences for "sad women" reveal about his emotional needs and motivations in relationships?
- How does Atwood's portrayal of these women challenge conventional ideas of beauty, desire, and intimacy in a dystopian society?
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