In Sebastian Faulks' "On Green Dolphin Street," the protagonist's perspective on mortality shifts dramatically after becoming a parent. Before having children, she found it difficult to think about the idea of losing her own parents. The emotional weight of such a loss was too heavy for her to bear, and she often deflected the subject by expressing her uncertainty about how she would cope.

This change highlights the profound connection between parenthood and the perception of death. With children to care for, the implications of losing one's parents become more tangible and frightening, forcing her to confront the realities of life and loss that she had previously avoided. Through this lens, the story explores themes of love, family, and the inevitable nature of grief.