In the present century, history has shifted its focus away from individual psychological factors to broader forces that shape reality. Rather than personal character defining one's fate, things like economics, ideology, and violence take precedence. The impacts of crises—such as famine or war—show that individual experiences and lives can feel insignificant when faced with brutal historical forces.

The character Gibreel symbolizes how history interacts with individual lives, illustrating that personal narratives become overshadowed by larger societal and global issues. The notion that individual choices influence destiny is challenged, as external circumstances often dictate the course of events and the consequences individuals face.