In William Faulkner's "Light in August," the quote reflects the inner turmoil of the protagonist, who yearns to break free from the burden of his past and the people around him. He expresses a desire to distance himself from the living, suggesting a sense of disconnection and a struggle to find peace among them.

However, the true haunting comes from the memories of those who have passed. The protagonist realizes that it is the dead who continue to influence and torment him, their silent presence weighing heavily on his consciousness. This dichotomy illustrates the complex relationship with death and memory, revealing how the past can shape one's reality even in its stillness.