Meaning: The quote "First you wonder if they're separate stories, but no, they're not, they're contingent stories and they form a pattern. And you begin with some of the island as the place to which the heroine of the book returns," by Robert Creeley, presents an intriguing perspective on storytelling and narrative structure. In this quote, Creeley seems to be reflecting on the interconnectedness of stories and the underlying patterns that emerge from their relationship to one another. The idea of contingent stories forming a pattern suggests that the events and narratives are not isolated, but rather dependent on each other, and together they create a larger, cohesive whole.

Creeley's use of the phrase "contingent stories" implies a sense of interdependence and interconnectedness between different narratives. It suggests that the events and characters in one story are contingent upon those in another, and together they contribute to a larger, unified narrative pattern. This concept challenges the notion of individual, standalone stories and instead emphasizes the idea that stories are connected and share common threads that form a larger, cohesive structure.

Furthermore, the mention of "some of the island as the place to which the heroine of the book returns" alludes to the setting and the protagonist's journey. The island serves as a physical and metaphorical space that holds significance within the larger narrative. It is a place of return, symbolizing a cyclical or recurring theme within the story. This idea of returning to a specific place suggests a sense of continuity and the cyclical nature of storytelling, where characters and events may come full circle, creating a pattern or rhythm within the narrative.

Creeley's quote can be interpreted as a reflection on the craft of storytelling and the ways in which narratives are constructed. It invites us to consider the interconnectedness of stories, the patterns that emerge from their relationships, and the significance of recurring elements within a narrative. This perspective challenges us to look beyond the surface of individual stories and to recognize the underlying connections and patterns that give them depth and coherence.

In a broader sense, this quote may also speak to the interconnected nature of human experience and the ways in which individual stories and lives are connected to form a larger, collective pattern. It suggests that our individual experiences and narratives are contingent upon and interconnected with those of others, contributing to the larger tapestry of human existence.

In conclusion, Robert Creeley's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on storytelling and narrative structure. His emphasis on contingent stories forming a pattern challenges traditional notions of standalone narratives and highlights the interconnectedness of stories. By referencing the island as the place of return for the heroine, Creeley also alludes to the cyclical nature of storytelling and the significance of recurring elements within a narrative. This quote encourages us to consider the interconnected nature of stories and the larger patterns that emerge from their relationships, inviting us to view narratives as part of a unified and cohesive whole.