keyword: distressed
Herbert Richardson is distressed about his upcoming execution date (73)
→ he has a physical reaction and has haggard breath and is hopeless. He thinks that Stevenson is his last chance
Herbert’s wife is distressed when her husband is about to die (86)
→ her response is also physical, but she expresses it more fiercely through her desperate sobs and refusal to leave Herbert
The entire community is in despair after Walter’s case (96)
→ This is different because its a situation that only had a direct impact on one person, but the despair pervades the whole community. It was a burden to the community, along with a horrendous thing that happened to Walter
Stevenson experiences inspiration and hope in the midst of deep distress (100)
→ Stevenson meets with Walter’s family, and its evident that they’re all in deep despair and are very worried about Walter. However, even though Stevenson has to give up so much sleep and he’s so worn out, he finds inspiration from these people, even though there is distress there too. This example shows how both can exist at the same time.
Interesting keyword and analysis! Distress is not the same as despair, but putting them side by side helps me understand how Stevenson shows that repeated distress (negative feelings caused by unrelenting stress) can lead to despair (a state of hopelessness and sadness). The two words sound the same “des” prefix, which we associate with negativity.