a man who has decided upon self-destruction is far removed from mundane affairs, and to sit down and write his will would be, at that moment, an act just as absurd as winding up one's watch, since together with the man, the whole world is destroyed; the last letter is instantly reduced to dust and, with it, all the postmen; and like smoke, vanishes the estate bequeathed to a nonexistent progeny.
In Vladimir Nabokov's "The Eye," the concept of self-destruction is explored through the lens of an individual's decision to end their life. The protagonist finds themselves detached from everyday matters, highlighting the disconnection from the world that accompanies such a choice. Writing a will becomes a futile exercise, akin to winding a watch, as the act holds no significance when one's existence is about to cease. This profound decision renders all legal possessions and responsibilities meaningless, diminishing their value to mere dust.
Nabokov emphasizes the futility of mundane actions in the face of impending self-destruction. The imagery of a last letter becoming dust symbolizes the complete obliteration of connections and legacies. The notion that the estate meant for an imagined future generation evaporates underscores the finality of the protagonist's decision. Overall, this passage poignantly captures the isolation and absurdity inherent in the contemplation of ending one’s life.
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