In A.S. Byatt's "Ragnarok," the character is portrayed as an introspective child who engages deeply with her thoughts and understanding of the world. This reflective nature allows her to piece together complex ideas, though it brings her emotional pain. Unlike many forms of knowledge that empower and delight others, her insights are burdensome and cause her distress.

This distinction highlights the different effects that knowledge can have on individuals. While others may find strength and joy in learning, her experience is marked by a painful realization, suggesting that some truths can be isolating and difficult to bear.