The quote from Margaret Atwood's "The Robber Bride" emphasizes the complexity of beginnings and endings in life. It suggests that starting something is often difficult because one cannot easily define where it begins or where it ends. The idea conveys that events are intertwined and that context is essential for understanding them. Each moment may require background information and connections to other events to truly grasp its significance.

This reflection highlights how narratives, both in literature and life, are multifaceted and require comprehensive framing to appreciate their full scope. Atwood's assertion encourages readers to consider the broader situation surrounding each event rather than viewing them in isolation. The need for a preface and postscript signifies that understanding is layered and that everything is part of a larger continuum of experiences.