In Emily St. John Mandel's novel "Station Eleven," a character expresses disbelief about a distant sight. She initially dismisses the possibility of seeing something unusual but is soon compelled to look again. This moment highlights the contrast between skepticism and the unexpected realities of the world around her.
The sight she observes is a grid of lights on a hillside, indicative of a town or village illuminated by electricity. This illumination symbolizes hope and the persistence of civilization amidst the challenges posed by a post-apocalyptic scenario, reminding readers of the resilience of human communities.