Face Seen Quote by Steven Erikson
““To see a face behind a name, if that name was wreathed in tales of heroism, was a clean kind of curiosity. But the face of a monster invited its own fascination, perhaps in the shock of recognition, since every face could be seen in one; or, more to the point, from that one face, it took little imagination to find one’s own.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: "The Kharkanas Trilogy" by Steven Erikson, 2015
The passage reflects on curiosity about heroic legends versus fascination with monsters, noting that recognizing humanity in both can be unsettling.
In simple terms: Curiosity about heroes and monsters reveals shared humanity.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about heroism and monstrosity.
Themes
heroism
monsters
curiosity
identity
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- psychotherapy
- cultural studies
- storytelling workshops
Key Concepts
psychology
mythology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “monster” represent in your life?
- How does recognizing humanity in villains affect empathy?
A Different Perspective
It may blur moral distinctions needed for ethical judgments.
