Real power is with those who are forever still, and I want to join them." "Good God. Why?" "Because I love them." "You mean like Hamlet jumping into the grave?" "Yes." "You can't do that!" Arturo screamed. "This is the twentieth century. And, besides, he jumped out." "He climbed out." "All right, he climbed out. Better that your soul should be on fire. It is on fire, and when you give it air it will flare like the sun. Even I ... My soul is on fire.... I, an accountant!
In the excerpt, a profound discussion unfolds about the nature of true power and the desire to achieve an inner stillness, contrasting the longing for peace with the chaotic reality of life. The character expresses admiration for those who have mastered tranquility, suggesting that this stillness is a deep and meaningful pursuit. The comparison to Hamlet illustrates an intense, tragic commitment to love and values that transcend mere existence.
Arturo's passionate response reveals a conflict between the romantic notion of sacrifice and the practicality of modern life. He recognizes that while passionate pursuits can ignite one's soul, there remains a struggle between aspiration and the constraints of contemporary society. The theme implies that embracing one's fiery spirit can lead to a profound personal awakening, even for those in ordinary professions like accounting.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
