In "Stone Mattress: Nine Tales" by Margaret Atwood, the theme of renewal and the desire to revisit the past are explored through the metaphor of lighting a fire. For the character, igniting a fire symbolizes starting anew, yet she finds herself hesitant to embrace change. Instead of wanting to embark on a new journey, she yearns to revisit previous experiences, highlighting a struggle with the inevitability of progress and the comfort of familiarity.

This longing to go back reflects a deep human emotion: the conflict between the urge to move forward and the desire to remain in the warmth of what is known. The character’s reluctance to embrace the idea of new beginnings signifies a preference for continuity, underscoring the complexities of personal growth and memory. Atwood masterfully captures this tension, making the reader ponder the implications of our past choices and their impact on our present and future.