How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
Yet I thought, what I did not wish to think, of the time when the disease that had claimed his fingers would creep up, eating away his limbs—or attack some other part, his feet or his eyes. What then of this bright fearless child who boasted that he stood alone? There is a limit to the achievements of human courage. (27.132)
Puli may have power over how he approaches the world, but in the end, he is powerless to stand up against his disease. No amount of street smarts can save him from his illness. If he’s going to be saved, he needs to submit to the help of others. (This is particularly painful for him because he is continually proud he is of being able to take care of himself.) Still, sometimes it’s more courageous to ask for help than to stubbornly do things on your own, especially if not asking for help means certain death from leprosy.