In Margaret Atwood's "Lady Oracle," the protagonist grapples with her past, which haunts her despite her desire to move on. The quote highlights the inescapability of memories and experiences, illustrating how they can resurface at moments of vulnerability, such as during sleep. This relentless pursuit by the past emphasizes the struggle between self-identity and the weight of history.

Atwood's narrative explores the complexities of self-deception and the ways individuals attempt to distance themselves from their former selves. The character's journey reflects a universal theme of confronting one's history, suggesting that disregarding the past is futile; it lingers, waiting for the perfect moment to re-emerge and confront us.