Annie Proulx’s novel "Barkskins" explores the profound impact of significant life events on individuals, suggesting that such moments can fundamentally alter one's perception of life. These transformative experiences leave a permanent mark, causing the past to appear less vivid and clear. The narrative follows characters whose lives are irrevocably changed, highlighting how history shapes identities and futures.

The quote encapsulates the essence of the human experience, emphasizing that pivotal events shift our understanding of existence. In the aftermath, everything appears altered, underscoring the dynamic nature of life and memory in shaping who we become. Proulx's work poignantly illustrates this theme through the lens of environmental and personal struggles faced by her characters.