Hook-and-eye closures are small pieces of metal that fasten together, connecting perfectly so that garments remain in place on the body. A singular hook or eye is useless on its own, meaning that they can only function properly when paired together. Atwood uses the image of a hook-and-eye closure to symbolize a romantic connection: two people that complete each other, feeling secure and fulfilled in their partnership.

The image of the hook-and-eye is also inherently sexual. The phrasing, “you fit into me” (Line 1), alludes to penetration as the hook is inserted into the eye. On a more literal level, hook-and-eye closures are commonly found on undergarments, namely corsets or bra clasps, adding a layer of intimacy to Stanza 1 with the allusion of dressing (or undressing) in only undergarments.

The hook-and-eye represents romantic compatibility, establishing that the speaker and their partner (the “you” within the poem) are a perfect match, two halves of one whole.

Atwood specifies that the hook is actually a fish hook, drastically changing its symbolic weight within the poem. Fish hooks are used to lure, catch, and inevitably kill prey. They are curved and sharp, purposefully difficult to escape despite their small size.