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Fear Quotes in Silence

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

But I was thinking of a more terrible fate. He had not fled. Like Judas he had gone to betray us. (2.18)

As soon as he meets Kichijiro, Rodrigues becomes terrified that the old drunk will betray him. This theme is echoed throughout the novel: our priests are constantly fearful that their Japanese congregation will turn against them.

Quote #2

I cannot picture myself at the moment of capture by the Japanese. In our little hut I have a feeling of eternal safety. (3.27)

At a certain point, Rodrigues stops being afraid altogether. Unfortunately, this is pure self-deception: he has to know that the authorities will be looking for him. Still, he convinces himself that he's safe as can be.

Quote #3

What a disgrace it would be to betray my vocation from cowardly fear. (3.51)

That would be a disgrace, old chum. Still, like the dreaded Kichijiro, Rodrigues is driven more by fear than he'd like to admit, his every action shaped by the desire to stay alive.