In "The Subtle Knife," Lyra expresses fear about the constant presence of death in her life, questioning how one can remain calm in such circumstances. This highlights a natural human anxiety about mortality and the unknown.
In response, another character reassures her, suggesting that the proximity of death can actually provide a sense of security. By knowing where death is, one can maintain control and reduce anxiety about its unpredictability. This perspective shifts the understanding of death from something to fear into an element that can be monitored and understood.