In Salman Rushdie's "The Moor's Last Sigh," the quote emphasizes the struggle of the living to coexist with the memories and legacies of those who have passed away. The imagery of trying to grasp at the hair of the dead conveys the futility of fully capturing or controlling the past, highlighting the tension between remembrance and the reality of loss. The giant dead signify the weight of history, culture, and personal experiences that continue to influence the present.

The notion of finding space alongside the dead reflects a search for harmony amid grief and remembrance. The living are challenged to acknowledge their connections to the deceased while navigating their own lives. This theme resonates with the idea that while the dead cannot be physically tethered, their presence and impact endure, shaping the identities and choices of those who remain. In essence, it illustrates the complexity of dealing with legacy, memory, and the passage of time.