Meaning: This enigmatic quote by Janet Frame, a renowned novelist from New Zealand, invites readers to contemplate the interplay between reality and myth, and the way in which these elements shape our understanding of the world. Frame's words are rich with symbolism and philosophical depth, offering a profound meditation on the nature of storytelling and the human experience.

In the quote, Frame describes the act of setting down a record that contains a "mixture of fact and truths and memories of truths" from a place of "liquid darkness" to a place of "air and light," ultimately directing it toward the "Third Place, where the starting point is myth." This evocative language suggests a journey from obscurity and mystery to clarity and illumination, culminating in a realm where myth serves as the foundation for understanding.

The concept of "liquid darkness" as the initial setting for the record hints at the idea of primordial chaos or the unknown, from which all things emerge. This imagery evokes a sense of possibility and potential, as if the act of recording and preserving truths is a way of bringing order to the formless void. As the narrative moves into the "second place of air and light," it suggests a progression toward enlightenment and understanding, where the truths and memories contained within the record are given shape and substance.

The reference to the "Third Place, where the starting point is myth" introduces a compelling shift in perspective. Here, myth is not presented as mere fiction or falsehood, but rather as a fundamental aspect of human consciousness and understanding. By positioning myth as the starting point, Frame challenges us to consider the ways in which our beliefs, narratives, and cultural constructs shape our perception of reality.

One interpretation of Frame's quote is that she is highlighting the interconnectedness of fact and fiction, truth and myth, and their role in shaping our understanding of the world. In doing so, she raises questions about the nature of reality, the power of storytelling, and the ways in which we make meaning out of our experiences.

Frame's own life and work provide a compelling context for interpreting this quote. As a writer who often drew on her own experiences and struggles with mental health, she was intimately familiar with the complexities of truth and myth, and the ways in which personal narratives can transcend mere fact to become a powerful form of expression and understanding.

In her novels and autobiographical works, Frame skillfully blended elements of reality and fiction, drawing on her own life while also weaving in mythic and symbolic motifs. This blending of the personal and the universal, the factual and the mythic, is reflected in the quote and speaks to the richness of her literary vision.

Overall, Janet Frame's quote offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between truth, myth, and storytelling. It invites readers to consider the ways in which our understanding of the world is shaped by a complex interplay of fact and fiction, and to reflect on the profound significance of myth as a lens through which we interpret our experiences. By engaging with Frame's words, we are encouraged to delve into the depths of human consciousness and the transformative power of narrative.