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But if Crake wanted her to stay longer on any given night…

“But if Crake wanted her to stay longer on any given night, do it again maybe, she'd make some excuse—jet lag, a headache, something plausible. Her inventions were seamless, she was the best poker-faced liar in the world, so there would be a kiss goodbye for stupid Crake, a smile, a wave, a closed…” quote by Margaret Atwood
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““But if Crake wanted her to stay longer on any given night, do it again maybe, she'd make some excuse—jet lag, a headache, something plausible. Her inventions were seamless, she was the best poker-faced liar in the world, so there would be a kiss goodbye for stupid Crake, a smile, a wave, a closed door, and the next minute there she would be, with Jimmy.””

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

She skillfully creates excuses to avoid intimacy, using deception to keep distance while maintaining a façade of normalcy.

In simple terms: She lies to keep away from someone she doesn’t want to stay.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when excuses mask true feelings.

Themes

deception relationships power dynamics

Mood

anxious reflective

Type

narrative character study

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • workplace interactions
  • family gatherings
  • political negotiations

Key Concepts

psychology social interaction self‑preservation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are you avoiding by making excuses?
  • How does deception affect long‑term relationships?
A Different Perspective

Excuses can damage trust if discovered.

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