In Joy Kogawa's book "Aunt," a poignant conversation takes place between the narrator and Aunt Emily about the nature of time and memory. The narrator expresses a sense of urgency about moving forward, recognizing the fleeting nature of life and longing to leave the past behind. This reflects a desire for progress and change.
However, Aunt Emily counters this idea, emphasizing that the past is intertwined with the future. Her perspective suggests that past experiences shape our identities and should not be easily discarded. This exchange highlights a profound tension between the wish to advance and the need to acknowledge and learn from historical experiences.