In Annie Proulx's "The Shipping News," the quote, "One of the tragedies of real life is that there is no background music," reflects a profound observation about the human experience. It suggests that life can often feel dull or lacking in the emotional resonance that music can provide. This absence can lead us to navigate through our challenges without the comforting or uplifting soundtrack that we might find in movies or books. The quote encapsulates the longing for a deeper emotional connection in our everyday lives.

This insight highlights the contrast between the excitement of fictional narratives, which are often accompanied by dramatic scores, and the sometimes mundane reality we face. In a world filled with unremarkable moments, the lack of “background music” can make our individual stories feel less vibrant. Proulx's words remind readers to recognize the beauty and complexity of their own lives, even in silence, capturing the essence of human existence in navigating both joy and sorrow without the artificial enhancements of sound.