In Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," the quote reflects the plight of individuals marginalized and overlooked by society. It emphasizes the existence of people whose stories and struggles remain unacknowledged, living in the shadows of more prominent narratives. This concept resonates deeply throughout the book, portraying the experiences of women in a dystopian regime where their identities are suppressed.

The phrase "blank white spaces" symbolizes the invisibility of these marginalized voices, highlighting the stark divide between those who are recognized and those who are not. Atwood's work seeks to shed light on the lives of these forgotten individuals, bringing their untold stories to the forefront and urging readers to acknowledge and empathize with their reality.