I found it very interesting how the first paragraph of the novel,
Snowman wakes up before dawn. He lies unmoving, listening to the tide coming in, wave after wave sloshing over the barricades, wish-wash, wish-wash, the rhythm of heartbeat. He would so like to believe he is still asleep. (Atwood 5)
and the first paragraph of the last chapter,
Snowman wakes up before dawn. He lies unmoving, listening to the tide coming in, wish-wash, wish-wash, the rhythm of heartbeat. He would so like to believe he is still asleep. (Atwood 439)
are almost identical.
Since in both are him waking up, I think it represents a new beginning. In the first chapter, Snowman is starting his routine. He is living day by day barely surviving. We do not know anything about him yet. It not only starts his journey, but the readers journey as well.
In the first paragraph of the last chapter, we know Snowman. We know his story and how everything came to be, but he is about to start a new journey. He knows that there are more people around his vicinity. When he wakes up, he is starting his new journey to meet these people.
I really like how the author did this. To me, it feels like Snowman is starting a new life, and a brand new chapter, even though the book is soon coming to a close.
