The quote from "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman reflects a profound sense of despair and disillusionment with both life and death. It suggests that existence is filled with suffering and that the inevitability of death does not offer any solace or relief from that suffering. This bleak perspective implies that both life and the afterlife are intertwined in a cycle of negativity, leaving no hope for joy or purpose in the universe.

This sentiment captures a deep existential crisis, where the character grapples with the futility of living. The idea that this is the "first and last and only truth" suggests a stark finality, reinforcing the notion that the struggles faced throughout life are ultimately inescapable. Pullman's work dives into themes of darkness and the human condition, prompting readers to reflect on the meaning behind existence and the nature of reality itself.