More cruelly: he feared her faith because, as a fully paid-up pessimist, he knew he had none

More cruelly: he feared her faith because, as a fully paid-up pessimist, he knew he had none

John le Carré, the master of espionage and intrigue, is known for his complex characters and morally ambiguous themes. In his novels, he often delves into the depths of human nature, exploring the darker aspects of humanity. One of the recurring themes in his work is the struggle between faith and doubt, belief and skepticism.

In the quote “More cruelly: he feared her faith because, as a fully paid-up pessimist, he knew he had none,” le Carré captures the essence of this internal conflict. The character in question is faced with someone who possesses a strong faith, a belief in something greater than themselves. This faith is a source of strength and comfort for the other character, but for the protagonist, it is a source of fear and unease.

As a “fully paid-up pessimist,” the protagonist is someone who has lost faith in the world and in themselves. They see the world as a dark and cruel place, full of deception and betrayal. They have become jaded and cynical, unable to trust in anything or anyone. In contrast, the other character’s faith represents a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope and optimism that the protagonist cannot bring themselves to embrace.

The fear of the other character’s faith stems from the protagonist’s own lack of belief. They are afraid of what they do not understand, of what they cannot control. The other character’s faith challenges their worldview, forcing them to confront their own doubts and insecurities. It is a reminder of their own vulnerability, their own lack of faith in themselves and in others.