The concept of an ending being arbitrary highlights the subjective nature of conclusion, suggesting that what we perceive as an end is merely a point where we decide to stop. The phrase "The end" serves as a simple marker, yet it hides the continuous flow of time and experiences that precede it. Atwood implies that this period signifies a gateway to new beginnings, emphasizing the fluidity of time, which cannot be confined to neatly defined segments like decades or centuries.

Atwood's character, Tony, further illustrates that our perception of time is often distorted, as we tend to categorize it for convenience. In acknowledging that endings can be fabricated, she invites readers to reflect on the shared constructs of history and the collective agreement to define it in specific terms. Ultimately, the notion that the end is a lie encourages us to question the boundaries we impose on our understanding of time and life’s narratives.