In "The Amber Spyglass," a character expresses a deep fear of oblivion and the emptiness it brings. She confesses that she once believed enduring endless pain would be a greater suffering than simply ceasing to exist. The torment of being tortured seemed more bearable than losing consciousness completely.

This reflection highlights her struggle with the concept of nothingness. The idea of being aware and feeling something, even if it is pain, is preferred to the terrifying thought of fading away into darkness where everything is lost forever. This intense emotional conflict underscores a central theme of the narrative, exploring the value of existence and consciousness.