In the novel "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, the character reflects on the past, expressing a sense of nostalgia about the era before a devastating pandemic altered reality. The quote "I don't really remember what computer screens looked like" captures this feeling of disconnection from a world that is now fundamentally changed. It highlights how familiar technologies and experiences can fade from memory, especially in times of crisis.
The story explores themes of memory, loss, and the persistence of art and culture amidst chaos. By invoking the imagery of computer screens, the author emphasizes the contrast between the life that once was and the survival-focused existence of the characters after societal collapse. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of what has been lost and the fragility of human experience in the face of unforeseen circumstance.