In this passage from Hilary Mantel's "The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher," the narrator observes the coexistence of the living and the dead, highlighting a sense of continuity despite the starkness of death. This commute represents the routine nature of existence, where people are comfortable with their familiar paths, yet the narrator expresses a yearning for change and exploration beyond conventional life.
With a willingness to abandon the predictable schedule of life, the narrator embraces the possibility of new experiences and encounters. This sentiment suggests hope and the belief that even in solitude or loss, connection awaits at unexpected destinations. The imagery evokes a journey toward personal growth, hinting at the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.