In Salman Rushdie’s "Shame," history is likened to the process of natural selection, where various interpretations and narratives of the past compete for survival. The strongest versions emerge victorious, while the weaker narratives fade into obscurity. This metaphor highlights how dominant stories overshadow lesser-known ones, leaving behind only remnants like artifacts and tales, which serve as faint memories of what once was. The depiction suggests that those who control historical narratives often shape society's understanding and remembrance of the past.

Rushdie implies that history's relationship with its subjects is one of mutual dependence, where the prominent figures and events enslave history, ensuring their legacy thrives. The fleeting moments of the less powerful are often disregarded, resulting in a one-sided account of time that favors the strong over the weak. Thus, history becomes a narrative shaped by those who achieve dominance, leading to a portrayal that often neglects the richness of diverse perspectives and experiences.