In "The Last Bookaneer" by Matthew Pearl, the character Stevenson expresses a rather intense desire regarding his fate. He longs for a dramatic and violent death rather than succumbing to the slow decline that comes with illness. This yearning represents a broader existential contemplation about the nature of mortality and the ways in which individuals wish to leave their mark on the world. Stevenson finds inspiration in the idea of a noble end, one that resonates with adventure and bravado.

As he rides along, engaging in conversation with Jack and Mr. Porter, Stevenson's thoughts become increasingly introspective. His longing for a death that embodies passion and courage reveals a deep-seated fear of a mundane and drawn-out demise. This moment captures the essence of a character who seeks significance and intensity in life, preferring a dramatic exit over a quiet fade, suggesting that for some, the manner of dying is as important as living itself.