In Ian McEwan's novel "Amsterdam," the narrative reflects the life of an individual who leads a monotonous existence, often choosing to work through the night. This routine leaves little room for leisure or variety, emphasizing a stark reality where the primary focus is on productivity. The individual’s lifestyle reveals a sense of purposelessness, with the cycle of making and the inevitability of death looming over him.

The quote underscores the bleakness of his situation, hinting at the futility of existence marked by relentless work and a lack of meaningful engagement. In this stark portrayal, the cycle of creating and dying serves as a metaphor for life itself, suggesting that the act of creation might ultimately feel insignificant in the face of mortality.