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What is Naomi's explanation for why Obasan repeats, "Everyone someday dies."?

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Final answer:

Naomi's explanation for the repetition of the phrase "Everyone someday dies" is rooted in a profound contemplation of life's temporality and death's certainty. This repetition highlights the omnipresent nature of death in her thoughts, influenced by personal tragedy and a sense of cultural heritage.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the literary context, Naomi's repetition of "Everyone someday dies" signifies a deep-seated reflection on the transient nature of life and the universality of death. The repetition underscores a theme of loss and the inevitable end that all humans face. Extracts from the provided references highlight the centrality of death in the author's work, tracing it back to her heritage and personal experiences. These experiences have left an indelible mark on her psyche, transforming death into both an obsession and a constant shadow that follows her, as seen in the works by Margaret Matilda Odell and the poet's own verses.

The repetition can also be viewed as a coping mechanism for the trauma and loneliness faced by those who have experienced significant loss, such as the old grandmother left to die alone, as described in the evocative passage. It serves as a reminder that despite the pain of loss and the despair that often accompanies aging and solitude, death is a shared destiny, offering a grim form of solace in its universality.

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