There is a man sleeping in the grass. And over him is gathering the greatest storm of all his days. Such lightening and thunder will come there has never been seen before, bringing death and destruction. People hurry home past him, to places safe from danger. And whether they do not see him there in the grass, or whether they fear to halt even a moment, but they do not wake him, they let him be.
by Alan Paton
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In the excerpt, there is a man peacefully sleeping in the grass, oblivious to the impending storm that is about to unleash its fury. The storm is depicted as one of unprecedented intensity, foreboding death and destruction. This imagery reflects the tension between tranquility and chaos, illustrating how the man remains unaware of the turmoil that looms over him.

As people rush past him to find safety, they either fail to notice him or choose not to interrupt his slumber, highlighting a theme of neglect or indifference. Their reluctance to awaken him suggests a deeper commentary on society's tendency to overlook those in vulnerable positions, even as looming threats approach. The scene ultimately serves as a poignant metaphor for human disconnection amid impending crises.

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March 27, 2025

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