1. To have a history or existence that extends to a certain period of time in the past. Our organization's ties with this community go back to when the town was first settled in 1837. My Irish heritage goes back to when my great-great-great grandfather married the daughter of a wealthy Irish landowner.

2. To resume or continue something, often a particular task or activity. As soon as dinner was over, the kids went back to playing outside. Once the home repairs are done, we'll be able to go back to our normal routine.

3. To direct attention or focus back to something. Let's go back to James's comment because I think it really sums up this part of the novel.