In Emily St. John Mandel's "Station Eleven," a character humorously plays off the idea of fame, suggesting that their notoriety lies in their ability to keep secrets and maintain discretion. This statement highlights the irony that being discreet can be more noteworthy than overt recognition, reflecting on the complexities of identity and reputation in a post-apocalyptic world.
The dialogue underlines a theme prevalent in the novel: the multifaceted nature of fame and how it ties into personal values and experiences. In a time when society has collapsed, the weight of one's past actions and the stories they carry become even more significant, illustrating how people may find importance in the lesser-known aspects of their lives.