In the novel "In One Person" by John Irving, a character named Miss Frost offers a comforting perspective on emotional responses to literature. She reassures another character that crying while reading a novel signifies something positive. This reaction indicates a deeper level of empathy and connection with the story and its characters. Miss Frost emphasizes that such emotional reactions highlight the ability to feel more intensely than many others around you.

This interaction underscores the theme of emotional engagement in the reading experience. Crying over a novel reflects the reader's capacity for compassion and sensitivity, setting them apart from their peers. It suggests that literature has a profound impact on individuals, encouraging them to connect with the experiences and struggles depicted within its pages.