In Europe Central by William T. Vollmann, the character Klavdia Sulzhenko reflects on the passage of time and the impact of war. As she sings "The Blue Kerchief," she recognizes that both the war and the song are remnants of a bygone era. The enduring nature of the song contrasts with her personal aging, illustrating the lasting emotional scars of conflict.

Through Klavdia’s perspective, the narrative highlights how memories and cultural artifacts like songs continue to resonate even when the circumstances that birthed them have faded. This reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of memory, loss, and the search for meaning amidst the remnants of history.