The quote "I'm double bred for death by fire" from Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses" suggests a deep connection between fate and destruction. It reflects the character's acknowledgment of a lineage or destiny intertwined with violence and peril, particularly through fire, which can symbolize both passion and ruin. This notion of being "double bred" implies an inherent vulnerability, as if their fate is sealed by ancestry and circumstance, leading to an inevitable end.
The context of the story reinforces this theme, exploring the harsh realities of life in the American West where survival is intertwined with risk. McCarthy employs this evocative phrase to illustrate how past influences can shape one's future, raising questions about free will and destiny. The character grapples with loss and the harsh truths of existence, making this quote resonate with deeper philosophical implications about life and mortality.