The quote "It's easier to die if others around you are dying" from Annie Proulx's "The Shipping News" reflects on the nature of despair and hardship. It suggests that shared suffering can alleviate the individual burden of grief or despair, creating a sense of acceptance or inevitability in facing death. When surrounded by others who are also experiencing loss, one may feel less isolated in their pain, making it seem more bearable.

This idea can delve into the human condition, where collective experiences of hardship can foster a bond among individuals. In literature and life alike, camaraderie in the face of adversity reveals how people can find solace in each other’s suffering, ultimately shaping their perceptions of mortality and resilience.