A screaming comes across the sky. It has happened before, but there is nothing to compare it to now. It is too late. The Evacuation still proceeds, but it's all theatre. There are no lights inside the cars. No light anywhere. Above him lift girders old as an iron queen, and glass somewhere far above that would let the light of day through. But it's night. He's afraid of the way the glass will fall soon it will be a spectacle: the fall of a crystal palace. But coming down in total blackout, without one glint of light, only great invisible crashing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A bleak scene describes an evacuation in darkness, emphasizing fear of an unseen collapse.
- In plain terms
- People evacuate in darkness, fearing a silent disaster.
- What can you take from it?
- Prepare for emergencies even when details are unclear.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What can we do to reduce fear in emergencies?
- How does uncertainty affect decision‑making?
Another view
The vivid imagery may distract from practical advice.
More from Thomas Pynchon
'I was dreaming [...] about my grandfather. A very old man, at least as old as I am now, 91. I thought, when I was a boy, that he had been 91 all his life. Now…
Permalink to quote #19 Flotsam from his childhood are rising through his attention. He's remembering the skin of an apple, bursting with nebulae, a look into curved reddening space.
Permalink to quote #21 The reality is in this head. Mine. I'm the projector at the planetarium, all the closed little universe visible in the circle of that stage is coming out of my…
Permalink to quote #18
Related quotes
Of course, one of the main legitimate functions of thought has always been to help provide security, guaranteeing shelter and food for instance. However, this …
David BohmDavid Bohm quote #18 The good horror tale will dance its way to the center of your life and find the secret door to the room you believed no one but you knew of-as both Albert Camu…
Stephen KingStephen King quote #59 I said 'Lily, Oh Lily I'm so afraid I fear I am walking in the Veil of Darkness' And she said 'Child, take what I say With a pinch of salt And protect yourself…
Kate BushKate Bush quote #213