In Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," the narrator reflects on how her oppressor dismisses her and others like her as mere temporary obstacles. The quote encapsulates the idea that those in power often disregard the struggles of the marginalized, framing them as fleeting and insignificant. The confidence in their own eventual vindication speaks to the arrogance of those who enforce oppressive systems.

This dynamic highlights the broader theme of resistance and resilience in the face of tyranny. The narrator's acknowledgment of these dismissals reveals the depth of her struggle while also foreshadowing the potential for history to recognize and vindicate her experiences. Atwood emphasizes how critical it is for stories of the oppressed to be told and remembered, as they hold the power to reshape narratives and bring about change.