Fathers and Sons Philosophical Viewpoints Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph). We used Rosemary Edmonds's translation.

Quote #10

"Death is an old jest but it comes new to everyone." (27.141)

What does Bazarov mean when he calls death a "jest"? Does it seem as if he is taking his own death as a joke or that he is taking it seriously? Why must death always come "new to everyone"? If death is a joke then what is the punch line?