uncomfortable as I felt around him, and as much as he repulsed me, it was impossible not to be simultaneously fascinated by him, for his was a consistently intoxicating presence. Whenever I saw him, I found myself in a state of near paralysis. In this, I was not alone. Everyone hated him, but no one could keep their eyes off him.
In this excerpt from The House of Special Purpose by John Boyne, the narrator describes a complex mix of feelings towards a particular person. Despite feeling uncomfortable and repelled by him, there is an undeniable fascination that makes his presence nearly intoxicating. The narrator admits to experiencing a paralysis whenever they see him, highlighting the powerful hold he has over those around him.
The passage also reveals a paradoxical situation where everyone hates this individual, yet cannot look away. This suggests a magnetic, almost mesmerizing quality that draws people's attention despite their negative feelings. The overall tone portrays a mixture of repulsion and fascination that underscores the character's compelling, yet disturbing influence on others.
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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!
