Her long periods of intense concentration began to be punctuated by bouts of directionless daydreaming, sudden explosions of feeling. At such times Shakespeare was too dangerous to be read closely-Hamlet whispered truths too cruel to be borne, every word in Lear hooked in flesh and could not be dislodged. As for Wilde, Hobbes, Schopenhauer . . . even cynicism, Marya saw, can't save you.
Marya experiences intense focus that is often interrupted by aimless daydreaming and overwhelming emotions. During these moments, reading Shakespeare becomes unbearable; the raw truths of Hamlet and the painful insights of Lear penetrate her deeply, leaving a lasting impact on her psyche. Each word resonates painfully, revealing the harsh realities of life and existence that she struggles to confront.
As she grapples with these literary works, Mary's realizations about the futility of cynicism are profound. Authors like Wilde, Hobbes, and Schopenhauer offer little solace, highlighting the inescapable nature of her feelings. She recognizes that even a cynical perspective cannot shield her from the harsh truths embedded in literature, adding to her internal conflict.
