In "Engleby," Sebastian Faulks explores the profound effects of opium on the human experience, particularly its ability to alter the perception of pain and adversity. The quote highlights how the drug can create a state where suffering becomes almost inconceivable, providing an escape from reality. This vastly different perspective sheds light on the allure of substances like opium, which promise relief from burdens and challenges faced in everyday life.

Faulks delves into the complexities of addiction and the temporary solace that drugs can provide, emphasizing the struggle between desire for escape and the harsh truths of life. Through his protagonist, the narrative invites readers to reflect on their own encounters with pain and the lengths to which one might go to avoid it. Ultimately, "Engleby" presents a poignant commentary on the human condition and the seductive nature of substances that dull our senses and distort our realities.