Margaret Atwood's quote highlights a commonplace view of time as a series of continuous events, reminiscent of a traditional narrative structure. This perspective suggests that life unfolds in a predictable sequence, much like the chapters in a story, leading us inevitably towards a certain conclusion.

In her book "Artful", Ali Smith reflects on how, without intentional choices, our lives may follow a conventional plot line. By considering the role of wills, she emphasizes the importance of agency in shaping our narratives, suggesting that we can consciously influence the story of our lives rather than passively following a predetermined path.