The quote from Franny Billingsley's "The Folk Keeper" evokes the profound and unsettling experience of fear. It describes fear as a tangible sensation that emanates from deep within, suggesting that it can physically grip a person. This imagery highlights how fear can be overwhelming, affecting not just emotions but also the body and mind.

This portrayal of fear emphasizes its visceral nature, illustrating that true fear comes from confronting dark, hidden places within oneself. The metaphor of it holding one by the neck signifies the inability to escape or shake off such terror, capturing the essence of how fear can dominate thoughts and feelings, making it a significant theme in the narrative.