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We pulled the seeds out and scattered them on their flossy…

“We pulled the seeds out and scattered them on their flossy parachutes, leaving only the leathery brownish yellow tongue, soft as the inside of an elbow.” quote by Margaret Atwood
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“We pulled the seeds out and scattered them on their flossy parachutes, leaving only the leathery brownish yellow tongue, soft as the inside of an elbow.”

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.

A vivid, grotesque image of destruction, emphasizing how something once vital can be reduced to a hollow, useless remnant.

In simple terms: Destruction leaves only a hollow shell.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and avoid wasteful loss.

Themes

destruction decay environment humanity loss

Mood

somber reflective

Type

literary poetic

When to use this quote

  • environmental collapse
  • personal betrayal
  • resource depletion
  • industrial waste

Key Concepts

post‑apocalyptic ecocriticism symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the “tongue” symbolize in your life?
  • How can we prevent vital things from becoming waste?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may over‑dramatize, obscuring practical solutions.

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