And that next day, he was in the black mood, what we call the swartgalligheid, which is the black gall. And the heart is black too, and the world is black, and one can tell oneself that it will pass, but these are only words that one speaks to oneself, for while it is there it is no comfort that it will pass.
The narrator describes a character experiencing a deep sense of despair, referred to as "swartgalligheid," or black gall. This term reflects a profound mood characterized by darkness that envelops the mind and heart, suggesting an overwhelming sadness that colors one's perception of the world. Even though one might reassure oneself that this feeling is temporary, such affirmations provide little solace in the moment of despair.
The quote captures the struggle against melancholy, highlighting the challenge of believing that such darkness will eventually fade. Instead of reassurance, the character feels trapped in their sorrow, illustrating how powerful and consuming these emotions can be. This theme resonates deeply in the narrative, exploring the human experience of grappling with inner turmoil.
