In Denis Johnson's book "Already Dead," the author reflects on the struggle and pain of life in the face of mortality. The quote highlights that the character's death was not sudden or effortless; rather, it was the result of a fight against his circumstances. This imagery of "claw marks" suggests a lingering impact of his existence, indicating that he struggled with his difficulties until the end.
Johnson presents death as a complex event, intertwined with the experiences and struggles that precede it. The character's life is marked by a chaotic struggle that leaves a significant trace behind, emphasizing the notion that life's challenges linger even as one approaches death. The characterization invites readers to consider the weight of their own struggles and the legacy left behind as they face their mortality.