History, as I recall, was never this winsome, and especially not this clean, but the real thing would never sell: most people prefer a past in which nothing smells.
In "The Blind Assassin," Margaret Atwood reflects on the nature of history, suggesting that people's perceptions often stray from reality. She implies that genuine historical narratives are often messy and complex, filled with uncomfortable truths that are difficult to confront. Instead, there is a tendency for individuals to romanticize the past, longing for a version that feels more appealing and sanitized.
This theme highlights the discrepancy between the sentimentalized view of history and its actual conditions. Atwood's observation points to a broader human inclination to seek comfort in a tidy recollection of events, where unpleasant aspects are overlooked. Ultimately, this highlights the challenge of reconciling our understanding of history with its true, often unflattering nature.
