Prison Quote by Margaret Atwood
““I wake up at cock crow and I know where I am. I'm in the parlour. I'm in the scullery. I'm in the cellar. I'm in my cell, under the coarse prison blanket, which I likely hemmed myself. We make everything we wear or use here, awake or asleep; so I have made this bed, and now I am lying in it.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood, 1985
The narrator describes a confined, self‑sufficient existence where every object is made by the inhabitants, highlighting oppression and survival.
In simple terms: Living in a closed, controlled environment where one makes everything.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how limited freedom shapes identity.
Themes
oppression
survival
self‑sufficiency
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
personal narrative
When to use this quote
- prison life
- daily routines
- crafting necessities
Key Concepts
totalitarianism
identity
craftsmanship
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑reliance affect one's sense of freedom?
- What does “my cell” symbolize?
A Different Perspective
The perspective may romanticize hardship, overlooking external oppression.
![“Inside its crumbling walls the house is riddled with bullet holes, and in its garden only the crimson dahlias still hold their heads high. Jing is lying on a chaise longue [sic] playing with his bird. 'I thought you were in prison.' He looks up, his eyes filled with hate and desire. 'You are my…” quote by Shan Sa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/042/shan-sa-13713_prison_inside-its-crumbling-walls-the-house-is_13990.jpg)