In "The Robber Bride" by Margaret Atwood, the narrative of Zenia is suggested to originate from a time and place that is both distant and troubling for the character Tony. The imagery evokes a sense of a European scene with muted colors and a feeling of decay. There are various elements that hint at a deeper, unsettling story hidden beneath the surface, represented by the blurred outlines of something ominous in the underbrush.

The scene highlights a contrast between the beauty of the natural setting and the darkness that lurks beneath it, symbolizing the complexities of Zenia's identity and past. This establishes a foreboding tone, indicating that Zenia's story is intertwined with themes of trauma and mystery that will gradually unfold throughout the plot.