At the mention of the name and offence of this degraded being a great sound went up from the entire multitude - a universal cry of execration, not greatly dissimilar from that which may be frequently heard in the crowded Temple of Impartiality when the one whose duty it is to take up, at a venture, the folded papers, announces that the sublime Emperor, or some mandarin of exalted rank, has been so fortunate as to hold the winning number in the Annual State Lottery.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A crowd reacts with unified hatred to a named offender, compared to the rare joy of a lottery win in a temple.
- In plain terms
- People shout together to condemn someone, just as they might cheer for a lucky winner.
- What can you take from it?
- Mass outrage can be as synchronized and intense as collective celebration.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do crowds form unified opinions?
- Is public condemnation effective?
Another view
The comparison trivializes the severity of the offense by equating it with gambling.
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