“By the time they were done Peter realized that something significant had occurred, an acknowledgment that once made, could not be unmade. The body they had buried might have been a viral, but the person they had buried was a man.”
In this quote from Justin Cronin's novel, the character Peter comes to a profound realization about the weight of their actions. The act of burying a body goes beyond a mere physical task; it carries with it the weight of acknowledging the humanity and individuality of the deceased. By acknowledging that the person they buried was a man, Peter understands the irreversibility of their actions and the gravity of taking a life, regardless of whether the person was infected by a virus. This quote speaks to the moral complexities and emotional depth of the characters in the novel.
In this quote from Justin Cronin's novel, "The Passage," the characters come to realize the humanity of the individual they buried, despite the fact that he had been transformed into a viral. This theme of recognizing the humanity in others even in the face of dehumanizing circumstances remains relevant today, urging us to consider the complexity and depth of each individual, regardless of their outward appearance or circumstances.
The quote showcases the internal conflict faced by Peter as he grapples with the moral consequences of his actions. The juxtaposition of the term "viral" with "man" highlights the humanity within even those who have been transformed by a virus.
As you reflect on the quoted passage from Justin Cronin's work, consider the following questions:
Consider these questions as you delve deeper into the themes and implications of this poignant moment in the narrative.
“It was a nasty look. It made me feel as if I were something the dog had brought in and intended to bury later on, when he had time.”
“Something had been buried that was not yet dead.”
“I had seen nothing sacred, and the things that were glorious had no glory and the sacrifices were like the stockyards at Chicago if nothing was done with the meat except to bury it. ”
“A dead eagle he might have buried, but he had chosen rather to light a fire for a phoenix.”
“How could you go about choosing something that would hold the half of your heart you had to bury?”