Before one is afraid, one sees clearly; while one is afraid, one sees double; and after being afraid, one sees dimly.
The quote from "The Count of Monte Cristo" highlights the impact fear has on perception. Initially, when a person is not afraid, they have clarity and can see situations and truths without distortion. However, when fear sets in, it causes confusion and a doubling of one's perspective, making it difficult to think rationally. This suggests that fear can cloud judgment and lead to misinterpretations of reality.
After experiencing fear, one’s perspective tends to dull, resembling a foggy understanding of what has transpired. This progression illustrates that fear can influence thoughts significantly, impairing one’s ability to assess situations clearly. Thus, Dumas emphasizes the need to confront fear to gain true insight and clarity in life.
