Bad thing Quote by Margaret Atwood
“A wave of blood goes up to my head, my stomach shrinks together, as if something dangerous has just missed hitting me. It's as if I've been caught stealing, or telling a lie; or as if I've heard other people talking about me, saying bad things about me, behind my back. There's the same flush of shame, of guilt and terror, and of cold disgust with myself. But I don't know where these feelings have come from, what I've done.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, 1985
A sudden, inexplicable surge of shame and terror arises, as if one has done something terrible, despite no clear cause.
In simple terms: Unexpected shame and fear appear without clear reason.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and explore hidden emotions.
Themes
shame
guilt
anxiety
self‑disgust
Mood
uneasy
reflective
Type
emotional
introspective
When to use this quote
- interpersonal conflict
- public speaking
- social media criticism
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
self‑awareness
emotional triggers
Questions to Reflect On
- What underlying belief fuels this shame?
- How can you differentiate real guilt from imagined guilt?
A Different Perspective
These feelings may mask deeper insecurities or past trauma.
