In Joyce Carol Oates' book "Lovely, Dark, Deep," the author explores the concept of myth and reality, suggesting that what we often romanticize or perceive as grand and legendary is, in fact, ordinary and unremarkable when examined closely. This perspective challenges the perception of myth as something vast and beyond our immediate experience, implying that the significance we attribute to certain narratives may diminish upon deeper reflection.

The statement underscores the idea that the extraordinary often exists in our imagination rather than in our day-to-day lives. By highlighting the contrast between mythic ideals and the reality of living, Oates prompts readers to confront the simplicity and complexity of their own experiences, questioning the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary.