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.