You must understand that by this time the only choice was among several varieties of defeat, but the town in question rejected compromise and would settle for nothing but victory. That was not reason talking; that was the voice of litost!
The passage reflects the idea that the situation in the town had deteriorated to the point where no option for a favorable outcome remained. Instead of accepting a less than ideal resolution, the town chose to pursue an unwavering quest for victory, demonstrating a refusal to compromise. This determination indicates a deep emotional response rather than a rational decision-making process.
The reference to "litost" encapsulates the complex feelings of frustration and despair intertwined with longing, revealing that the community's insistence on victory stems from a struggle with their own sense of identity and loss. Their choice, driven by emotional turmoil, highlights the human tendency to cling to noble ideals even when faced with inevitable defeat.
