“I took his hand and shook it. Even with all the training I’ve had to desensitize me to the necessity of occasional contact with strangers, the gesture felt wrong. You aren’t supposed to touch people you don’t know. Not unless they’ve just demonstrated their infection status with a successful blood test, and maybe not even then.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote from Mira Grant's novel, the main character expresses discomfort and unease when shaking hands with a stranger, even though she has been trained to interact with strangers as part of her job. The emphasis on the importance of knowing a person's infection status reflects a society that is highly focused on preventing the spread of disease. This quote highlights the theme of mistrust and isolation in a world where physical contact is closely monitored and regulated. It also underscores the impact that fear and paranoia can have on human interaction.
Modern Relevance
In Mira Grant's quote, the concept of hesitance towards physical contact with strangers due to the fear of infection is highlighted. In today's world, especially during a global pandemic like COVID-19, this sentiment rings true more than ever before. The heightened focus on hygiene and social distancing has made people more cautious about physical touch and contact with others.
Social norms and the fear of infection
“I took his hand and shook it. Even with all the training I’ve had to desensitize me to the necessity of occasional contact with strangers, the gesture felt wrong. You aren’t supposed to touch people you don’t know. Not unless they’ve just demonstrated their infection status with a successful blood test, and maybe not even then.” - Mira Grant.
Reflection Questions
In this passage, the character reflects on the societal norms and precautions taken in a world where infections and diseases are prevalent. Consider the following questions:
- How do societal norms and guidelines around physical contact differ in the fictional world depicted in the passage compared to our own world?
- How does the idea of needing a successful blood test to demonstrate infection status impact interactions and relationships between individuals?
- In what ways does the character's discomfort with physical contact with strangers reflect broader themes of trust, safety, and vulnerability in this dystopian setting?
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