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Horror Quote by Richard Matheson

“It’s horrible," she said. He looked at her in surprise. Horrible? Wasn’t that odd? He hadn’t thought that for years. For him the word “horror” had become obsolete. A surfeiting of terror made terror a cliché. To Robert Neville the situation merely existed as natural fact. It had no adjectives.” quote by Richard Matheson
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““It’s horrible," she said. He looked at her in surprise. Horrible? Wasn’t that odd? He hadn’t thought that for years. For him the word “horror” had become obsolete. A surfeiting of terror made terror a cliché. To Robert Neville the situation merely existed as natural fact. It had no adjectives.””

Richard Matheson

About This Quote

Source Novel: I Am Legend, 1954

The protagonist has become desensitized to horror, seeing terror as ordinary and lacking emotional impact.

In simple terms: He no longer feels horror; terror is routine.

Key Takeaway

Stay aware of emotional numbness.

Themes

psychology desensitization existential dread

Mood

cynical detached

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • post‑apocalyptic survival
  • mental health
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

nihilism emotional fatigue human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to become numb to fear?
  • Can routine protect against trauma?
A Different Perspective

The view may ignore the value of emotional resilience.

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