When a man dies, it's only him, he said. And one is much like another. Aye, a family needs a man, to feed them, protect them. But any decent man can do it. A woman … His lips moved against my fingertips, a faint smile. A woman takes life with her when she goes. A woman is … infinite possibility. Idiot, I said, very softly. If you think one man is just like any other.
In 'An Echo in the Bone', the character reflects on the nature of man's life and death, suggesting that when a man passes away, he leaves behind only himself, emphasizing the idea that all men are fundamentally similar. His view implies that any decent man fulfills essential family roles, like providing and protecting, indicating a transactional view of masculinity within the family unit.
Contrasting this perspective, he acknowledges the unique impact of a woman, suggesting that she embodies 'infinite possibility', taking a part of life with her when she dies. This exchange highlights the profound differences he perceives between men and women, provoking a soft yet strong rebuttal from the listener who challenges his notion of men being interchangeable.
