Skip to content

Life Quote by Margaret Atwood

“I'm working on my own life story. I don't mean I'm putting it together; no, I'm taking it apart. If you'd wanted the narrative line you should have asked earlier, when I still knew everything and was more than willing to tell. That was before I discovered the virtues of scissors, the virtues of…” quote by Margaret Atwood
Download Open image
“I'm working on my own life story. I don't mean I'm putting it together; no, I'm taking it apart. If you'd wanted the narrative line you should have asked earlier, when I still knew everything and was more than willing to tell. That was before I discovered the virtues of scissors, the virtues of matches.”

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, 1985

Reevaluating one's life by deconstructing past narratives to discover hidden strengths.

In simple terms: Break down old stories to find new power.

Key Takeaway

Question and reshape your personal narrative.

Themes

self‑discovery transformation identity

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • creative writing
  • career transitions
  • personal coaching

Key Concepts

narrative analysis psychology resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What parts of your story need dismantling?
  • How can you rebuild after deconstruction?
A Different Perspective

Over‑analysis can lead to paralysis.

3.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Margaret Atwood

Explore all 2,072 Margaret Atwood quotes

More Life quotes

Browse all 265,290 Life quotes