The quote from Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin" reflects a poignant observation about aging and perception. It suggests that as people grow older, they often feel their significance or vibrancy can be overshadowed by the younger generations. This transformation into something deemed 'quaint' hints at a sense of nostalgia or loss for the way things were perceived in the past.
Atwood captures a universal experience, illustrating how societal values shift over time. Individuals once seen as powerful or relevant may find themselves reduced to charming relics or artifacts of a bygone era. The quote invites readers to consider how age and youth influence our understanding of worth and relevance in society.