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That is all about the raising of Lazarus," she whispered…

“That is all about the raising of Lazarus," she whispered severely and abruptly, and turning away she stood motionless, not daring to raise her eyes to him. She still trembled feverishly. The candle-end was flickering out in the battered candle-stick, dimly lighting up the poverty-stricken room the…” quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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““That is all about the raising of Lazarus," she whispered severely and abruptly, and turning away she stood motionless, not daring to raise her eyes to him. She still trembled feverishly. The candle-end was flickering out in the battered candle-stick, dimly lighting up the poverty-stricken room the murderer and the harlot who had so strangely been reading together the eternal book. Five minutes or more passed.””

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

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 is overwhelmed by fear and shame while confronting a grim reality, unable to meet another’s gaze.

In simple terms: Fear and shame make her freeze.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge fear to move forward.

Themes

fear shame guilt powerlessness

Mood

anxious tense somber

Type

literary dramatic

When to use this quote

  • confession
  • courtroom testimony
  • personal crisis
  • intimate confrontation

Key Concepts

psychology human frailty moral conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does her silence reveal about power dynamics?
  • How can one confront fear in oppressive settings?
A Different Perspective

Her paralysis may prevent truth from emerging.

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