Whenever someone who knows you disappears, you lose one version of yourself. Yourself as you were seen, as you were judged to be. Lover or enemy, mother or friend, those who know us construct us, and their several knowings slant the different facets of our characters like diamond-cutter's tools. Each such loss is a step leading to the grave, where all versions blend and end.
In the quote from Salman Rushdie's "The Ground Beneath Her Feet," the author reflects on the profound impact that relationships have on our identities. Each person we encounter shapes our self-perception through their views and judgments, highlighting how interconnected we are in defining who we are. These connections offer multiple interpretations of our identity, akin to the way a diamond is cut to reveal various facets, showcasing different aspects of our character.
The loss of someone significant in our lives signifies more than just their absence; it represents the diminishing of a particular version of ourselves, as their understanding and judgments play a vital role in our existence. This process of losing connections gradually leads us to a metaphorical grave, where all distinct versions converge and ultimately fade away. Thus, Rushdie prompts us to consider the fragility and complexity of our identities shaped by the relationships we forge and the inevitable losses we face.
