"I had the story, bit by bit, from various people, and, as generally happens in such cases, each time it was a different story"

Edith Wharton's quote, "I had the story, bit by bit, from various people, and, as usually happens in such cases, each time it was a various story", talks to the intricacy and subjectivity fundamental in human communication and storytelling. The idea of collecting a narrative "bit by bit" suggests a piecemeal construction of truth, underscoring the difficulty of piecing together a coherent account from fragmented versions. This procedure exposes the subjective nature of human understanding and memory, as each storyteller brings their own predispositions, experiences, and emotions to the telling.

The expression "from numerous people" highlights the diversity of perspectives included. Each person contributes their own interpretation, which can be affected by individual inspirations, selective memory, or varying emotional actions. This is compounded by the inherent desire for people to form stories to show their own realities or to make the story more compelling. The irregularity of the story each time it is heard suggests that truth is not fixed but rather fluid, shaped by personal contexts and the observer's lens.

Wharton's observation "as normally takes place in such cases" implies that this fluidity and variation prevail in human interactions. It indicates the concept that stories and realities are often not particular or monolithic but are instead multifaceted and complex. This can reflect broader themes in literature and life, where fact is typically nuanced and layered.

The quote ultimately welcomes readers to question the nature of reality and the dependability of narrative. It highlights the value of apprehension and important thinking when translating stories and suggests that understanding is frequently found not in a single version of events however in manufacturing multiple perspectives. In highlighting these differences, Wharton encourages a more detailed and compassionate expedition of truth, acknowledging the rich tapestry of human experience.