What was in them was promise. They dealt in transformations; they suggested an endless series of possibilities, extending like the reflections in two mirrors set facing one another, stretching on, replica after replica, to the vanishing point.
The quote emphasizes the theme of potential and transformation inherent in the story, suggesting that the characters and their situations are capable of evolving into various outcomes. It evokes the idea of infinite possibilities, illustrating how changes can lead to unforeseen consequences and new paths.
The imagery of mirrors highlights the endless cycle of replication and the idea that each choice or event can branch out into numerous directions. This reflection serves as a metaphor for the characters’ journeys in "The Handmaid's Tale," where hope and despair coexist as they navigate a world filled with restrictions and challenges.