Final answer:
Characters from various narratives express a mix of motivations for wanting to live, including the fear of death, the pursuit of new experiences, responsibilities towards others, and the search for meaning and happiness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The desire to live can stem from various reasons reflected in the characters' thoughts and experiences across different narratives. In the given excerpts, characters express an array of motivations for wanting to live and not just survive.
They range from a deep-seated fear of death and a longing for experiences unfulfilled, to the responsibilities towards others, and the pursuit of happiness and meaning beyond mere existence.
For example, Mrs. Linde in one narrative feels her life is 'unspeakably empty' without someone to live for, suggesting that having responsibilities or people who depend on one's existence can be a powerful reason to want to live.
The yearning for new experiences and a fear of stagnation is evident in the character who feels 'caged' and seeks the bustling life of New York.
Another character, Bess, simultaneously expresses a desire to explore the world and an appreciation for the tranquility of her current secluded life, indicating an internal conflict between the allure of the unknown and the comfort of the familiar.
Overall, these reflections connect to overarching themes of life's meaning, the impact of relationships and societal roles on one's desires, and the interplay between internal drive and external circumstances in shaping the will to live.