I wasn't particularly afraid of death itself. As Shakespeare said, die this year and you don't have to die the next.
In Haruki Murakami's "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World," the author presents a complex exploration of life and mortality. The protagonist reflects on his attitude towards death, expressing a sense of acceptance rather than fear. He suggests that embracing the inevitability of death can alleviate the anxiety associated with it, echoing Shakespeare's words that dying this year frees one from the worry of dying the following year.
This philosophical view encourages readers to reconsider their perceptions of life and death. By acknowledging the transient nature of existence, the protagonist finds a sense of peace, illustrating how understanding and accepting mortality can profoundly impact one's outlook on life. Murakami intertwines these themes seamlessly into the narrative, prompting a deeper reflection on our own fears and the way we approach life's ultimate conclusion.
