It is the eve of St. George’s Day. Do you not know that…
““It is the eve of St. George’s Day. Do you not know that to-night, when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will have full sway? Do you know where you are going, and what you are going to?” She was in such evident distress that I tried to comfort her, but without effect. Finally she went down on her knees and implored me not to go; at least to wait a day or two before starting. It was all very ridiculous but I did not feel comfortable. However, there was business to be done, and I could allow nothing to interfere with it. I therefore tried to raise her up, and said, as gravely as I could, that I thanked her, but my duty was imperative, and that I must go. She then rose and dried her eyes, and taking a crucifix from her neck offered it to me.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character faces supernatural fear and personal duty, choosing duty over compassion despite distress.
In simple terms: Duty outweighs personal comfort in crisis.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize responsibility.
Themes
duty
fear
supernatural
compassion
Mood
tense
foreboding
Type
dramatic
narrative
When to use this quote
- midnight rituals
- dangerous encounters
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
moral conflict
religious symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is duty always justified?
- When should compassion override obligation?
A Different Perspective
The protagonist’s rigid sense of duty may ignore human empathy.