All these, however, were mere terrors of the night…
“All these, however, were mere terrors of the night, phantoms of the mind that walk in darkness; and though he had seen many spectres in his time, and been more than once beset by Satan in divers shapes, in his lonely pre-ambulations, yet daylight put an end to all these evils; and he would have passed a pleasent life of it, in despite of the devil and all his works, if his path had not been crossed by a being that causes more perplexity to mortal man than ghosts, goblins, and the whole race of witches put together, and that was - a woman.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Even the most terrifying fears fade with daylight, yet a woman can be more unsettling than any monster.
In simple terms: Daylight dispels fear; women can be unsettling.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that fear often fades; beware of unexpected sources.
Themes
fear
light
gender
supernatural
perception
Mood
eerie
thought‑provoking
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- nighttime anxiety
- first dates
- new environments
Key Concepts
literature
psychology
folklore
Questions to Reflect On
- What “light” dispels your fears?
- How do you react to unexpected challenges?
A Different Perspective
Fear of the unknown may persist despite rational explanations.