Meaning: This quote by Robert Bolt, the renowned playwright, delves into the existential theme of mortality and the omnipresence of death in our lives. The quote serves as a reminder that from the moment we are born, death is a constant companion, always lingering in the shadows. It conveys the idea that death is not a distant eventuality, but rather a perpetual presence that we carry with us every day.

The concept of death standing aside at our birth suggests that our mortality is intertwined with our existence from the very beginning. It implies that death is not a remote occurrence but rather an integral part of the human experience. This notion challenges the conventional perception of death as a distant, abstract concept and instead presents it as a continuous, ever-present force in our lives.

Bolt's use of the phrase "And every day he looks towards us and muses somewhat to himself" personifies death, endowing it with human-like qualities. This anthropomorphization of death adds a layer of intimacy and inevitability to its presence, emphasizing its constant vigilance over our lives. The idea that death "muses somewhat to himself" conveys a sense of contemplation and deliberation, as if death is constantly assessing the possibility of approaching us, underscoring the uncertainty and unpredictability of our mortality.

The quote concludes with the contemplation of whether death will "draw nigh" on a particular day. This contemplation encapsulates the uncertainty and unpredictability of life and death. It emphasizes the fragility of human existence and the looming inevitability of mortality. The use of the word "muses" suggests that death is not solely a harbinger of fear and dread but also a contemplative, almost philosophical entity, pondering the timing of its arrival.

Bolt's portrayal of death in this quote aligns with various philosophical and literary traditions that have grappled with the existential significance of mortality. The stoic philosophy, for example, encourages individuals to confront the reality of death and embrace the transient nature of life. Similarly, existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus have explored the themes of mortality and the absurdity of human existence in the face of inevitable death.

In literature, the motif of death as a constant companion has been a recurring theme, from Shakespeare's "To be, or not to be" soliloquy in Hamlet to Emily Dickinson's contemplations on mortality. This quote by Robert Bolt adds to this rich tradition by offering a poignant reflection on the inextricable link between life and death.

In summary, Robert Bolt's quote serves as a thought-provoking meditation on the omnipresence of death in human existence. It challenges the notion of death as a distant event and instead presents it as a perpetual companion, ever contemplative and poised to draw near. This quote invites contemplation on the existential significance of mortality, urging readers to confront the inevitability of death and ponder the implications it holds for the way we live our lives.