In "The Dragonbone Chair" by Tad Williams, the soldiers are depicted as burdened individuals who carry numerous emotional and physical charges. These burdens can weigh heavily on their spirits and lives, showcasing the intense struggles they face in war and battle. The phrase suggests that while they may endure and survive, they often bear the heaviest weight of guilt, loss, and responsibility.

This theme emphasizes the duality of survival and suffering, illustrating that staying alive comes with significant consequences. The narrative explores how these experiences shape the characters, highlighting the inner turmoil that often accompanies their external battles. The story intricately weaves these ideas into a broader examination of the cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.