The quote touches on the profound difficulty of grappling with the concept of nonexistence, highlighting the inherent challenges in contemplating death despite taking practical steps like preparing for it. It suggests that even when one acknowledges mortality, articulating the experience of nonbeing remains elusive and complex, as it confronts deeply human fears and uncertainties.

In "Wolf Hall," Hilary Mantel weaves themes of identity and existence through historical narratives. The character's reflections on nonexistence serve to illustrate the tension between awareness of mortality and the human desire to leave a lasting legacy, raising questions about the meaning of life and the inevitability of death.