The quote from Toni Morrison's "Beloved" captures the theme of memory and its ephemeral nature. It suggests that memories can fade and transform, much like dust motes illuminated by light, becoming less tangible over time. This imagery emphasizes how the passage of time can alter our recollections, making them feel insubstantial and fleeting.

In the context of the novel, this transformation of memory speaks to the characters' struggles with their pasts, illustrating how traumatic experiences linger yet can also become distorted as they are revisited. Morrison highlights the complexities of remembering and forgetting, suggesting that while memories hold significance, they can dissolve and shift, much like particles floating in sunlight.