The quote reflects the intense emotions and challenges faced by characters in Philip Pullman's "Northern Lights." They are burdened by their past experiences filled with suffering, loss, and trepidation. This sense of pain and fear lingers behind them, impacting their journey as they navigate through life’s uncertainties.
As they move forward, they confront the unknown, characterized by doubt and peril. The journey ahead is fraught with enigmas that can lead to either enlightenment or further danger. This juxtaposition of their turbulent past and the daunting mysteries to come encapsulates the struggle between their fears and the quest for understanding and truth.