Darkness Quote by Carson McCullers
““The silence in the room was deep as the night itself. Biff stood transfixed, lost in his meditations. Then suddenly he felt a quickening in him. His heart turned and he leaned his back against the counter for support. For in a swift radiance of illumination he saw a glimpse of human struggle and of valour. Of the endless fluid passage of humanity through endless time. And of those who labour and of those who - one word - love. His soul expanded. But for a moment only. For in him he felt a warning, a shaft of terror. Between the two worlds he was suspended . . . suspended between radiance and darkness, between bitter irony and faith . . . And would he just stand here like a jittery nanny or would he pull himself together and be reasonable? For after all was he a sensible man or was he not?””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Heart of a Woman” (fictional excerpt)
A character experiences a profound, fleeting insight into humanity’s struggle and love, then feels terror and must choose between fear and reason.
In simple terms: A brief vision of humanity’s struggle and love brings both awe and terror, prompting a choice.
Key Takeaway
Embrace insight, confront fear, act rationally.
Themes
existential
introspection
humanity
fear
reason
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
inspired
Type
literary
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- creative writing
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
philosophical insight
spiritual awakening
psychological conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How do fleeting insights affect daily decisions?
- Can terror be a catalyst for growth?
A Different Perspective
The abstract nature may be hard to translate into concrete action.
