In Margaret Atwood's "Lady Oracle," the narrator reflects on the experience of browsing through antique stalls filled with unique items. The imagery of worn necklaces, ornate spoons, and other peculiar objects evokes a sense of nostalgia and a connection to history. These items, such as broken clocks and decorative china, represent remnants of past lives and times, allowing the narrator to immerse in a world long gone.

This exploration highlights the protagonist's fascination with the past and their desire to escape into it. These artifacts symbolize not just physical objects but also the memories and stories attached to them. As the narrator spends hours observing these remnants, they illustrate a deeper yearning to understand their own identity and place within a changing world.