Theo is preparing the features of a deceased man by lifting his eyelid and placing cotton inside to create a natural appearance. This method differs significantly from the ancient Egyptian practice, where they used pearl onions for the same purpose instead of cotton. The comparison highlights the variation in cultural practices related to death and preservation.
The author, Mary Roach, humorously reflects on this by considering what she would prefer if given the choice for such a procedure. Instead of onions, she suggests olives as a quirky alternative for under the eyelids, showcasing her light-hearted take on an otherwise serious subject of anatomy and funeral customs.