At another time, on receiving a notification of the decease of a gentleman of the country-side, wherein not only the dignities of the dead man, but also the feudal and noble qualifications of all his relatives, spread over an entire page: "What a stout back Death has!" he exclaimed. "What a strange burden of titles is cheerfully imposed on him, and how much wit must men have, in order thus to press the tomb into the service of vanity!"
The narrator reflects on a notification about the death of a prominent gentleman, highlighting the extensive list of titles and noble qualifications of the deceased and his relatives. This prompts a profound observation about the nature of death and the burdens associated with societal status. The narrator finds irony in the way people use their titles as a means of vanity, even in death, suggesting that such accolades only serve to inflate personal ego rather than offer true significance.
The remark about Death having a "stout back" symbolizes the heavy load of vanity carried by society. It underscores the absurdity of placing so much importance on titles and lineage, which ultimately adds little to the human experience. Through this commentary, Hugo invites readers to ponder the role of social status and the tendency of individuals to grasp at prestige, even in their final moments, while calling into question the value of such distinctions.
