The quote from Cormac McCarthy's "The Crossing" suggests that without a narrative or context, things are devoid of significance. This reflects the idea that meaning is derived from the stories we tell about our experiences, objects, and relationships, rather than from the items themselves. It emphasizes the importance of storytelling in giving life to our surroundings and making connections with the world. Without this narrative framework, everything can seem reduced to mere forms without depth or value.

This perspective highlights the role of stories in shaping our understanding of reality. Things take on layers of meaning when we weave them into our personal or collective narratives. In essence, McCarthy is asserting that the essence of existence is tied to the tales we construct, intertwining our identities with the experiences we share and the meanings we create. In this view, life is a canvas, painted with the colors of our stories, allowing us to find purpose and significance in our engagement with the world around us.