Then he gave himself over to deep and earnest prayer, and after each petition he raised his eyes and looked to the east. And the east lightened and lightened, till he knew that the time was not far off. And when he expected it, he rose to his feet and took off his hat and laid it down on the earth, and clasped his hands before him. And while he stood there the sun rose in the east.
In this passage, the character engages in deep and sincere prayer, demonstrating a profound moment of reflection and hope. As he prays, he looks to the east, anticipating the dawn, which symbolizes a new beginning or enlightenment. The gradual lightening of the east signifies that a significant change or revelation is approaching, paralleling his spiritual journey. This moment is imbued with a sense of waiting and yearning for something transformative.
As the sun finally rises, the character stands, removing his hat as a sign of respect and humility. He clasps his hands in prayer, further emphasizing his connection to the divine and his anticipation of the new day. This act of standing and awaiting the sunrise serves as a powerful metaphor for renewal and the resilience of hope, encapsulating the themes of faith and transformation found throughout Paton's narrative.
