In Steve Erickson's "Arc d'X," the narrative delves into the complex interplay between love, shaped by the collision of human intimacy and autonomy, and history, born from the amalgamation of past experiences and time. This collision gives rise to dreams, suggesting that the interplay of personal passion and collective memory influences our aspirations and perceptions of reality.

The quote reflects the profound relationship between individual emotions and the broader context of history. The characters' experiences underscore how love can transcend temporal boundaries, awakening desires and dreams that inform our understanding of the past and present, ultimately shaping our future aspirations.