In "A Widow's Story," Joyce Carol Oates explores the complex emotions and experiences that come with loss and mourning. The narrative delves into the widow's journey as she navigates her grief, highlighting the ways in which her identity transforms after the death of her partner. Oates vividly portrays the isolation and the struggle to find meaning in a world that feels altered without her loved one.

The quote, "For the widow inhabits a tale not of her own telling," encapsulates the essence of the widow's experience. It suggests that her story is shaped by the perceptions and expectations of others, as well as the societal narratives surrounding loss. Oates emphasizes how the widow often finds herself in a narrative that is influenced by external forces, complicating her personal journey of healing and self-discovery.