Skip to content

Effort Quote by Margaret Atwood

“Karen wasn't hard, she was soft, too soft. A soft touch. Her hair was soft, her smile was soft, her voice was soft. She was so soft there was no resistance. Hard things sank into her, they went right through her, and if she made a real effort, out the other side. Then she didn't have to see them…” quote by Margaret Atwood
Download Open image
“Karen wasn't hard, she was soft, too soft. A soft touch. Her hair was soft, her smile was soft, her voice was soft. She was so soft there was no resistance. Hard things sank into her, they went right through her, and if she made a real effort, out the other side. Then she didn't have to see them or hear them, or even touch them.”

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

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

The passage describes a person whose gentle nature lets hardships pass through without resistance, suggesting vulnerability can be a form of strength.

In simple terms: Softness lets hardships flow through without conflict.

Key Takeaway

Embrace gentle resilience.

Themes

vulnerability strength resilience

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • conflict resolution
  • personal growth
  • caregiving

Key Concepts

psychology emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can softness be a strategic advantage?
  • When does softness become a liability?
A Different Perspective

Softness may be mistaken for weakness, limiting agency.

4.4 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Margaret Atwood

Explore all 2,073 Margaret Atwood quotes

More Effort quotes

Browse all 8,198 Effort quotes