In Mark Helprin's "In Sunlight and in Shadow," a character experiences a profound transformation during battle. He perceives a timeless existence where his individual significance fades away, leading him to realize a larger interconnectedness of all things. This revelation highlights a mystical comprehension that transcends mere human agency.
Furthermore, amidst the chaos and destruction of war, the character discovers an overwhelming sense of beauty that persists despite personal and collective loss. This juxtaposition between the harsh realities of conflict and the enduring beauty of life contrasts the darkness of struggle with the hope found in appreciation of the world.