In "Humboldt's Gift," Saul Bellow explores the profound relationship between life and death, suggesting that mortality gives life its meaning and depth. Just as a mirror requires a dark background to reflect images clearly, our awareness of death enhances our appreciation of existence. Without the acknowledgment of our finite lives, the vibrant moments we experience might go unnoticed or undervalued.

This concept emphasizes that the inevitability of death can intensify our understanding of life's beauty and significance. It invites readers to contemplate how awareness of mortality can serve as a catalyst for deeper reflection on values, relationships, and the essence of being. In this way, Bellow articulates the idea that life's richness is intertwined with the presence of death, prompting us to cherish every moment more deeply.