I'm not very good at being alive. Sometimes I despair of ever mastering it, getting it right. When I'm old, perhaps

I'm not very good at being alive. Sometimes I despair of ever mastering it, getting it right. When I'm old, perhaps

Tanith Lee was a master of exploring the complexities of life and the human experience in her writing. In her works, she often delved into the darker aspects of existence, touching on themes of despair, mortality, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world. The quote, “I'm not very good at being alive. Sometimes I despair of ever mastering it, getting it right. When I'm old, perhaps,” encapsulates this sentiment perfectly.

Lee’s characters often grapple with their own mortality and the fleeting nature of life. They struggle to find their place in the world, to make sense of their existence, and to come to terms with the inevitability of death. This quote reflects a sense of resignation and self-doubt that many of her characters experience as they navigate the complexities of life.

The idea of not being very good at being alive is a poignant one, as it speaks to the universal struggle of trying to find one’s way in a world that can often feel overwhelming and unforgiving. Lee’s characters often feel lost and adrift, unsure of how to navigate the challenges and obstacles that life throws their way. They grapple with their own flaws and shortcomings, feeling as though they will never truly master the art of living.

The mention of despair in the quote further underscores the sense of hopelessness and futility that many of Lee’s characters experience. They are haunted by their own mortality, by the knowledge that their time on this earth is limited and that they may never truly find the answers they seek. This sense of despair is a recurring theme in Lee’s work, as she explores the darker aspects of the human psyche and the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

The mention of old age in the quote suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance of one’s own limitations. Lee’s characters often grapple with the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, coming to terms with the fact that they may never truly master the art of living. This sense of acceptance is both poignant and bittersweet, as it speaks to the universal experience of growing older and facing the unknown.