But death, too, had the power to awe, she knew this now-that a human being could be alive for years and years, thinking and breathing and eating, full of a million worries and feelings and thoughts, taking up space in the world, and then, in an instant, become absent, invisible.
In Jhumpa Lahiri's "Unaccustomed Earth," the character reflects on the profound nature of life and death. She realizes that a person can exist in the world, filled with thoughts, emotions, and concerns for many years, yet suddenly transition into nothingness. This stark contrast between life and absence brings a sense of awe and contemplation about human existence.
The quote captures the fleeting essence of life, emphasizing how quickly a vibrant presence can vanish. It prompts readers to consider the fragility of life and the impact of mortality on those left behind. Through this reflection, Lahiri invites a deeper understanding of what it means to truly live and the inevitable reality of death.
