The quote from Margaret Atwood's "Cat's Eye" suggests a unique perception of time, envisioning it as a tangible, visual phenomenon rather than merely linear. Atwood compares time to layers of transparent liquids, implying that each layer represents different experiences or memories that can overlap and influence one another. This metaphor indicates a complexity in how we understand our past and present, where moments coexist and shape our current reality.

This conceptualization of time challenges the traditional view of it as a straightforward progression. Instead, Atwood introduces a more intricate interpretation that highlights the interconnectedness of memories and experiences. By visualizing time in this way, readers are invited to reconsider their own relationships with the past and how it continuously informs their identities and perceptions. The imagery of layering emphasizes the depth and richness of human experience, suggesting that understanding oneself involves navigating through these complex layers.