In "Ender's Shadow," Orson Scott Card presents a poignant perspective on suicide. The quote expresses that suicide is less about the desire to end one's life and more about a struggle with shame and powerlessness. Individuals may resort to this tragic act as a means to divert attention from their internal battles, symbolizing a plea for help rather than a true wish for death.

This insight highlights the complex emotions surrounding suicidal thoughts, suggesting that what many perceive as a desire to escape life may actually stem from a deep yearning to conceal pain. By framing it as a way to hide rather than die, Card encourages a more empathetic understanding of those in distress, urging society to recognize the underlying issues prompting such drastic decisions.