Opening the Bread Box

How long does it take to decide" (98). "How long does it take to decide" (98). This line is asking the readers to examine their own conscience. It is evident that this particular paragraph symbolizes people's greediness. .
             Another symbolic aspect is conjured up by a new inquiry. "There's no doubt you can see the bread, you can even smell it, it smells like yeast, and it looks solid enough, solid as your own arm. But can you trust it? Can you eat it? You don't want to know, imagine that" (99). In this final thought of the story, the author sums up her feelings on how people live their lives. Evidently, people do not trust nor look toward the future. She clearly states that people are afraid of the future. .
             Another reason this story has such an impact on the reader is through Atwood's use of language. "You are now lying on a thin mattress in a hot room. The walls are made of dried earth, and your sister, who is younger than you, is in the room with you. She is starving, her belly is bloated, flies land on her eyes; you brush them off with your hand" (98) deposits a strong description through the word choice Atwood employs. She strongly harks on evocative and concrete details. "You think of going out to see if you might find something that could be eaten, but outside the streets are infested with scavengers and the stink of corpses is everywhere" (98) expresses the way Atwood puts the reader into the story by relaying some other circumstances to ponder. "The piece of bread was brown and reminded you of sunlight falling across a wooden floor. It reminded you of a bowl, a yellow bowl that was once in your home" (98) represents yet another example of the strong choice of language through making the reader aware of something familiar to them, something they could relate to. .
             In addition to the apparent symbolism and imagery, the author's strong tone is conveyed in a persuasive and mocking approach.