reproaches himself for recoiling from the stench of the poor and the sick
In "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the struggles and moral dilemmas faced by individuals during a time of widespread suffering and social upheaval. The narrative reflects on the challenges of empathy, particularly in confronting poverty and illness, which are pervasive issues of that era.
A poignant moment in the text reveals a character who criticizes himself for turning away from the unpleasant reality surrounding the poor and the sick. This moment highlights the internal conflict between self-preservation and the moral obligation to care for others, portraying the emotional turbulence that arises when faced with societal neglect and personal discomfort.
