The quote from Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" highlights the complexity of understanding history and the past. It suggests that our knowledge of past events is often shrouded in ambiguity and confusion. While we can hear echoes of voices from the past, the context in which they exist makes it difficult to interpret their true meanings in our contemporary world. This reflects the challenge of reconciling past experiences with present understanding.

Atwood emphasizes that despite our efforts to make sense of historical narratives, we are limited by our own perspectives and the fog of time. The past is portrayed as a vast darkness where clarity is elusive. This notion invites readers to consider how history shapes our current realities and reminds us that interpretations can vary, influenced by the obscure nature of what came before us.