Final answer:
The concept 'It seems quite funny now, but it didn't at the time' relates to the literary theme of changing perspectives over time, where events that once seemed serious or challenging can become humorous or enlightening upon reflection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpt 'It seems quite funny now, but it didn't at the time' indicates a reflection on a past experience that, in hindsight, appears humorous, even though it may not have been perceived that way when it occurred. This notion is prevalent in literature and is explored through characters' experiences and their evolutions of perspective over time. The examples provided from various texts demonstrate scenarios where characters find themselves in situations that may not have been amusing in the immediate moment, but, upon looking back, they have the potential to be seen in a different light.
Reflection on Past Experiences
One clear instance is where a character offers a flustered smile despite annoyance, suggesting an attempt to shift a negative experience to a more light-hearted one. Another example shows the realization of social barriers during childhood, which might be reminiscenced upon as a defining moment in one's identity or perspectives, albeit it being a difficult experience at the time.
In yet another narrative moment, the sudden burst of laughter from a character who was startled by his own reaction could be representative of an unanticipated shift in emotional state—from seriousness to amusement. This underscores the varied and complex human responses to the changing circumstances they encounter.
Changes in Perspective
Regardless of the context, these instances illustrate the universal theme of changing perspectives, where the passage of time and reflection leads individuals to perceive past events with newfound humor or insight. Such literary moments encourage readers to consider how the lens through which we view our past experiences can transform and how this shift in perception is an essential part of human growth and understanding.