Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" explores themes of memory, history, and their impact on societal structures. The quote “As all historians know, the past is a great darkness, and filled with echoes” captures the complexity of understanding history. It suggests that the past is often obscured and difficult to interpret, and the remnants of historical events reverberate through time, influencing the present and future.

This concept highlights the challenges historians face in reconstructing a narrative from fragmented records and memories. Atwood uses this idea to reflect on the struggles of characters trapped in an oppressive regime, where their histories and identities are forcibly rewritten. The darkness of the past serves as both a cautionary reminder and a source of resilience for those seeking to reclaim their voices amidst the echoes of their experiences.