In Margaret Atwood’s novel “Oryx and Crake,” the correlation between a person’s upbringing and their adult life is explored through the character of Jimmy, who later becomes Snowman. The detrimental effects of a neglected childhood are evident in Jimmy’s poor choices as an adult. These choices not only stem from his lack of guidance during his childhood but also contribute to his emotional damage, which hinders his ability to make the right decisions in life, even when he desires to do so.
Atwood draws parallels between Jimmy and Snowman, highlighting their relationship from childhood to adulthood as a clear manifestation of cause and effect. During Jimmy’s formative years, his mother’s departure not only separates them but also causes his father to grow distant. Unconcerned with his son’s agony, Jimmy’s father prioritizes hastening the inclusion of his new paramour, Ramona, into their home. This lustful and seemingly purposeless liaison mirrors Jimmy’s subsequent interactions with women.
Later in his life, Jimmy engages in sexual relationships with married women not for the thrill, but rather because he knows they won’t seek anything long-term or emotional. He eventually realizes that these relationships with married women are solely about sex for them as well. This realization comes to him when he wakes up one morning to a pink phallus-shaped Cock Clock, which was given to him as a joke by one of his lovers. Though he had found it amusing initially, that morning he found it disrespectful. It made him realize that he was just a mechanical joke to all of them.
Jimmy engages in transient sexual encounters because he lacks both love and knowledge on how to love. His childhood lacked nurturing love from his parents, who had negative relationships. As a result, Jimmy lacks understanding of mature and caring relationships and remains unaware of mistreatment towards women in his own relationships. He idolizes his father and emulates selfish, empathetic-less behavior with his co-worker as the relationship norm. Internally, Jimmy feels depressed and empty. While he subconsciously recognizes the meaninglessness of these encounters, he is unaware of any alternatives. This is evident in his realization that sex no longer holds the same significance for him; he is addicted but feels controlled by his desires, treating himself as disposable to satisfy his genitals’ needs. Perhaps allowing it independence could bring more contentment.
This quote emphasizes the significance of Jimmy’s choices in life being primarily driven by sexual desires, while also highlighting his internal conflict of wishing he wasn’t that way. He feels as though his sexual drive dictates his actions, and he is not entirely content with the direction it takes him. Jimmy desires a deeper emotional connection with someone, hoping to experience a profound feeling or emotion. Nonetheless, his relationships ultimately lead him to disappointment because they are based solely on lust rather than care and trust.
Jimmy’s only form of affection during his childhood was shown through his pet Rakunk, a means of escape from his hectic life. When Rakunk passed away, Jimmy seemed to shut off the part of him that was capable of love and being loved. In a conversation with one of his partners, he confesses to being emotionally damaged, stating “I’m a lost cause…emotionally dyslexic” (231). Although he may be seeking pity from his partner, there is truth in his admission. He truly struggles with expressing his emotions.
Growing up without learning how to express his feelings in a positive manner, the main character of this story becomes emotionally cold and hollow inside, much like his childhood pet. After civilization crumbles, he finds himself responsible for the welfare of a group of genetically engineered beings known as the Crakers. It is uncertain whether his sense of responsibility stems from wanting to compensate for lacking parental guidance or simply appreciating the limited human-like interactions they offer him. Regardless of the reasons, Snowman truly cares for these creatures and feels a compassionate obligation towards them during this crisis.
Snowman’s dysfunctional childhood has strengthened his ability to empathize with others. He understands the feelings of abandonment and neglect, which drives him to protect the Crakers as an adult. Originally designed without religion or art, Snowman defies this intention by educating them about the world and enhancing their understanding. However, these efforts only deepen Snowman’s isolation and remind him of his own painful past.
He provides them with guidance and moral education, acting as the parent he never had. Atwood appears to both admire and mock the ease with which modern youth can access certain content. Jimmy’s exposure to violence and pornographic material at a young age profoundly affected his perspective on life. His isolation from society intensified when his curiosity led him to watch disturbing child pornography films. Together, Jimmy and Crake engaged in activities that hindered their normal development.
Jimmy’s extended exposure to explicit online content, including pornography and beheadings, gradually numbed his emotions and left him without feelings. This desensitization caused him to develop a distorted perception where he considered these disturbing activities as acceptable. The degree of Jimmy’s desensitization becomes apparent during an argument with Crake when he witnesses a chilling event: “Crake let Oryx fall backwards, over his left arm. He looked directly at Jimmy with an unsmiling expression and said, ‘I’m counting on you.’ Then he slit her throat.” (394) Considering the significant violence and bloodshed that Jimmy had observed throughout his life, it is possible that this exposure played a role in his lack of hesitation when it came to shooting his only friend.
Their separation was ultimately caused by the violence that brought them together. Jimmy himself acknowledges his emotional detachment when he witnesses his best friend and the love of his life lying on the ground decomposing: “Regarding Oryx, she lies face down, her head turned away from him as if mourning. The ribbon in her hair remains as pink as ever. How can he grieve? He fails even at that.” (399) This is a consequence of Jimmy’s neglected childhood, where he grew up believing that no one cared about his pain or problems, leading him to bury his emotions deep inside and effectively shut them off.
In the text, it is portrayed that a person in adulthood can’t feel emotions, not even when they lose a close friend. The character acknowledges that they should be feeling some kind of emotion in response to their friend’s death but are incapable of expressing it. Throughout the book, the characters’ self-reflection serves as a reminder of reality and emphasizes that the unfolding events are abnormal. Atwood subtly draws parallels between the societies depicted in Oryx and Crake and our own world, particularly regarding greed and money.
Having the ability to use a computer and a credit card grants individuals the power to acquire whatever they desire. This phenomenon is exemplified in today’s society by affluent youngsters who neglect their duties and rely on their parents’ wealth to purchase costly vehicles, apparel, and narcotics. However, they ultimately become spoiled and devoid of genuine emotions. Their interests are fleeting, mirroring fleeting fashion trends, thereby hindering them from comprehending the value and significance of enduring friendships and relationships. Once more, we witness how Jimmy’s upbringing saturated with pornography and violence influenced his deviant behavior in adulthood.
From his initial encounter with Oryx in a child pornography movie, to persistently carrying a photograph of her and ultimately meeting her in person, the protagonist’s fixation on her exhibits his profound confusion. Despite discovering that the girl he idealized was actually a victim of torment and abuse, he continued his idolization of her in real life. This misguided pursuit of a relationship with a tortured soul, whom he believed would provide him with fulfillment, reveals the root of his aimless wandering due to his parents’ lack of guidance.
In the end, it ultimately caused him to view her solely as a sexual object, which was the closest he could ever come to experiencing love. The book consistently portrays Jimmy’s feelings of inadequacy, particularly following his difficult childhood, as he constantly yearns for validation and attention from others due to his parents’ neglect. Rather than forming meaningful relationships, Jimmy only seeks temporary solace and attention from others, resulting in his later struggle with sex addiction. The prolonged disregard from his parents left him desperately craving acknowledgment and recognition.
Jimmy possessed a confrontational disposition and consistently ensured that everyone was mindful of his existence. Consequently, this led to a lack of self-assurance and constant concern over the opinions others held about him. Upon their initial encounter, Jimmy reverted back to his customary conduct when he met Crake. “Jimmy discovered himself desiring to elicit a reaction from Crake; it was one of his imperfections, caring about what others thought of him” (88). Jimmy’s inclination involved uttering provocative statements as a means to captivate individuals’ attention and deter them from departing, much like how his mother had left him.
If Jimmy hadn’t been abandoned by his mother, he may have experienced more success. Following her departure, Jimmy intentionally maintained a low profile to avoid attracting the attention of the CorpSeCorps. He was careful not to attract too much notice and this could have influenced his choice to not attend a more prestigious university. Once again, his parents’ abandonment had an adverse effect on the direction his life took. To distance himself from his previous identity, Jimmy transformed into Snowman, disliking who he formerly was.
Jimmy’s creation of a new persona suggests that he must have been extremely disgusted with himself. He vocalizes, “‘I am not my childhood.’ Snowman says out loud.” (81). This quotation demonstrates Jimmy’s deep aversion to reliving his past experiences. He is unable to switch off these memories or divert the conversation away from them. By using his parents’ deficient parenting skills as an excuse for his own misbehavior, Jimmy avoids taking responsibility for his actions. However, his past continues to haunt him and define his existence. Although he despises these memories, they encompass the entirety of his life. Atwood effectively emphasizes the significance of a supportive, nurturing, and guided childhood for all individuals.
A period in our existence when we are aware that, as youngsters, we are secure and sheltered and are nurtured in a setting that demonstrates the proper path to lead our lives so that we can establish enduring connections. Ultimately, this will culminate in genuine love – the ultimate aspiration of every human being.
Through her protagonist, Jimmy, the writer portrays the emotional emptiness that arises from a lack of guidance during childhood. This underscores the significance of becoming responsible parents ourselves to guarantee our own children’s development into confident, accomplished, and loving individuals who make constructive contributions to society.
