In her work "Stone Mattress: Nine Tales," Margaret Atwood evokes nostalgia for the era of typewriters, reflecting on their quirky features like jammed keys and tangled ribbons. This recollection highlights the imperfections that came with using such mechanical devices, which were once a fundamental part of writing and communication. The mention of smudgy carbon paper for making copies adds to the sense of a time when writing was more physical and prone to mishaps.

Atwood's quote suggests a deep sense of longing for the past, where writing felt tangible and flawed. The typewriter symbolizes a craft that was both challenging and rewarding, distinguishing itself from the digital age's efficiency. This exploration into memory reveals the complexities involved in the act of writing and how technology alters our perceptions and experiences of creativity.