How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"In what way is [Wilder] free from limits?"
"He doesn't know he's going to die. He doesn't know death at all. You cherish this simpleton blessing of his, this exemption from harm." (37.129)
For Babette and Jack, the baby Wilder is a symbol of comfort to them. They envy the little boy because he's not old enough yet to realize that he's going to die some day. In this sense, Wilder is wiser than Jack and Babette. After all, the parents do everything they can to stop thinking about death, even if it means taking a pill that destroys their brains.