In his work "Transparent Things," Vladimir Nabokov explores the profound emotional experience of transitioning between states of existence. He suggests that this process is not merely marked by the physicality of death, which can be harsh and torturous, but rather it involves a deep mental struggle. This struggle embodies complex feelings that go beyond simple suffering.

Nabokov's insight reflects a more nuanced understanding of the end of life. He emphasizes that the true pain lies in the contemplative and intricate mental shifts we undergo as we encounter change, making the transition itself a perplexing journey of the mind. This perspective invites readers to reflect on the nature of consciousness and existence.