Whenever you turn your head, your deaths dodge behind you. Wherever you look, they hide. They hide in a teacup. Or in a dewdrop. Or in a breath of wind.
In "The Amber Spyglass," Philip Pullman explores the omnipresence of death and the inevitability of mortality. The quote suggests that death is always lurking nearby, escaping our direct awareness. It becomes a metaphor for how life's fleeting moments are intertwined with the concept of death, reminding us that it can be found in the mundane, such as a teacup or a dewdrop.
This idea emphasizes the fragility of life, encouraging readers to recognize that death is an integral part of existence. It serves as a reminder to cherish each moment, as it is often hidden in the everyday occurrences that we might overlook or take for granted.