In "The Penelopiad," Margaret Atwood presents a perspective that invites readers to detach emotionally from the characters and their struggles. The quote emphasizes that the characters can be seen as symbols rather than real individuals, suggesting that engaging with their pain and injustice might be overwhelming for educated minds. It suggests a deliberate avoidance of the harsher truths of their experiences.

This reduction to symbolism implies that their stories, like money, carry meaning but lack the depth of real human suffering. By encouraging this viewpoint, Atwood challenges readers to reflect on how easily narratives can be simplified, leading to a disconnection from the very real issues of human existence and suffering.