In "Lady Oracle," Margaret Atwood reflects on the complex relationships between identity, memory, and the past. The quote highlights the protagonist's sense of transformation, as buried clothes symbolize both suppressed memories and the inescapability of one's history. This imagery suggests that the remnants of the past can resurface, taking on a life of their own and becoming a part of one's current existence.

The narrative explores the theme of reinvention versus acceptance, illustrating how the protagonist grapples with her self-image while confronting her buried truths. Atwood's writing captures the struggle of reconciling one's past with the present, emphasizing that, like the clothes, our experiences shape us, even when we attempt to conceal them.