Fear Quotes in Silence

As soon as he meets Kichijiro, Rodrigues becomes terrified that the old drunk will betray him. This theme is echoed throughout the novel: our priests are constantly fearful that their Japanese congregation will turn against them.

At a certain point, Rodrigues stops being afraid altogether. Unfortunately, this is pure self-deception: he has to know that the authorities will be looking for him. Still, he convinces himself that he's safe as can be.

That would be a disgrace, old chum. Still, like the dreaded Kichijiro, Rodrigues is driven more by fear than he'd like to admit, his every action shaped by the desire to stay alive.