Elbows Quote by Margaret Atwood
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, 2003
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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