Skip to content

Over the trenches God had burst like a balloon, and there…

“Over the trenches God had burst like a balloon, and there was nothing left of him but grubby little scraps of hypocrisy. Religion was just a stick to beat the soldiers with, and anyone who declared otherwise was full of pious drivel.” quote by Margaret Atwood
Download Open image
““Over the trenches God had burst like a balloon, and there was nothing left of him but grubby little scraps of hypocrisy. Religion was just a stick to beat the soldiers with, and anyone who declared otherwise was full of pious drivel.””

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.

Religion is portrayed as a tool of oppression, reduced to empty symbols used to control people.

In simple terms: Religion is a weapon of control.

Key Takeaway

Question authority and seek truth.

Themes

power religion hypocrisy control

Mood

critical defiant reflective

Type

literary political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political protest
  • personal belief
  • social movements

Key Concepts

Theism authoritarianism symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does power shape religious narratives?
  • When can faith be a source of resistance?
A Different Perspective

Religion can also provide comfort and community for some.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Margaret Atwood

Explore all 2,072 Margaret Atwood quotes

More Hypocrisy quotes

Browse all 1,238 Hypocrisy quotes