Fear made her seem ill; it distorted her body lines, made her appear as if someone had broken her, and then, with malice, patched her together badly.
The quote captures the profound impact of fear on an individual's physical presence and overall demeanor. It suggests that fear can manifest itself externally, altering one’s appearance to convey a sense of brokenness and disarray. The imagery evokes a sense of tragedy, as if fear has both fractured and poorly mended the person, leaving them in a state of visible distress.
This portrayal reflects a deeper commentary on the psychological states that can lead to physical manifestations, emphasizing a disconnect between one’s inner turmoil and outward facade. The description illustrates how emotions like fear can create a distorted perception of self, echoing themes of identity and alienation found throughout Philip K. Dick's work.
