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A certain pride, a certain awe, withheld him from offering…

“A certain pride, a certain awe, withheld him from offering to God even one prayer at night, though he knew it was in God's power to take away his life while he slept and hurl his soul hellward ere he could beg for mercy.” quote by James Joyce
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“A certain pride, a certain awe, withheld him from offering to God even one prayer at night, though he knew it was in God's power to take away his life while he slept and hurl his soul hellward ere he could beg for mercy.”

James Joyce

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He feels too proud and fearful to pray, despite believing God could end his life at any moment.

In simple terms: Pride stops him from praying even when he fears death.

Key Takeaway

Recognize humility over pride.

Themes

pride fear faith spirituality

Mood

anxious reflective

Type

literary existential

When to use this quote

  • nighttime contemplation
  • personal crisis
  • seeking forgiveness
  • confronting mortality

Key Concepts

existential dread divine power human frailty

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you avoid seeking help out of pride?
  • How does fear shape your spiritual practice?
A Different Perspective

His fear may be rationalized as humility, but it also isolates him.

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