In "The God of Small Things," Arundhati Roy explores the profound impact of death on memory, suggesting that the recollection of a person's passing often eclipses the memories of their life. This notion highlights the way society tends to focus on loss instead of cherishing the experiences shared with the deceased. The emotional weight surrounding death can overshadow the essence of life lived, leading to a distorted sense of legacy.

Roy's quote raises questions about how we commemorate individuals and the narratives we create around their existence. It underscores a cyclical pattern where the memories attached to death can linger, influencing grief and remembrance, potentially at the expense of celebrating the joys and complexities of a person's life. This perspective invites a deeper reflection on how we honor those we've lost by reminiscing about their life stories, rather than being engulfed by the sorrow of their departure.