The quote emphasizes the critical moments in life when we must rely on trust, particularly when our survival is at stake. It suggests that true faith in something reveals itself during times of adversity. When we face life-threatening situations, the strength of our belief in the support we have becomes evident.
This moment of truth challenges us; if we don't trust the support (the rope), we must release our hold and fully invest ourselves in that support to see if it holds. The metaphor illustrates the importance of conviction and the vulnerability we experience when our fate is uncertain, much like Cleopatra's own life, where trust was essential in navigating her tumultuous existence.