The shield of cynical indifference
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incapaz porém de retratar-se e implorar perdão, resolveo amparar-se da tempestade, que ia despenhar-se sobre sua cabeça, com o escudo da mais cynica indifferença.
incapable, however, of recanting and begging forgiveness, he resolved to shelter from the storm about to break over his head behind the shield of the most cynical indifference.
incapable, however, of recanting and begging forgiveness, he resolved to shelter from the storm about to break over his head behind the shield of the most cynical indifference.
The chapter's coldest image of Leôncio: 'incapaz de retratar-se e implorar perdão'. He cannot repent — not will not, but cannot; the capacity is missing. So he arms himself instead, 'o escudo da mais cynica indifferença', the shield of cynicism, against the coming 'tempestade'. Where a man might feel remorse, Leôncio feels only the need for defence. It is the portrait of a soul without the equipment for shame.
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