In Margaret Atwood's "Stone Mattress: Nine Tales," a complex character grapples with her past and the choices she's made. Rather than seeking new beginnings, her desire is to return to a time before the present complications in her life. This highlights a deep yearning for understanding and resolution rather than merely moving forward.
The quote "she doesn't want to begin, she wants to continue. No: she wants to go back" encapsulates this character's struggle with her history. It suggests a profound restlessness and an inability to embrace new paths while longing for the clarity and comfort found in her past. It underscores Atwood's exploration of memory and its relentless pull on individuals.