The quote by William Faulkner, "The past is never dead. It is not even past," captures the persistent influence of history on our present lives. In Sarah Schulman's book "The Cosmopolitans," this idea resonates deeply throughout the narrative, showcasing how our experiences, memories, and the societal structures we inherit shape our identities and relationships. The characters grapple with their histories, revealing how past events continuously inform their current actions and perspectives.

Schulman weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected lives, illustrating that the past lingers within us and our communities. The characters' struggles with their histories highlight the inescapable nature of memory and legacy, suggesting that to understand the present, one must acknowledge and confront the past. This exploration of time reflects Faulkner's notion that the past's impact is profound, urging readers to recognize its relevance in our ongoing narratives.