Final answer:
The phrase 'shocked to the marrow with fear' represents an intense emotional state of fear affecting one deeply. Literary examples often depict characters in comparable states of fear or epiphany, indicating the universal impact of such emotions in shaping human experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'shocked to the marrow with fear' refers to an intense and deep-seated feeling of fear that penetrates to the very core of one’s being, described metaphorically as reaching the 'marrow,' the innermost part of the bones. This phrase can be seen as an example of a figure of speech that captures a profound level of emotional experience. The examples provided from various texts enrich the understanding of this phrase by showing characters who experience similar intense emotions and undergo profound moments of fear or realization.
Examples in Literature
Sudden realizations and strong emotional responses are prevalent in literature to depict moments of intense fear or epiphany. In the excerpts given, we see characters who are 'suddenly shaken into a dazed consciousness', 'transfixed, incredulous', and 'shudder with affright' when faced with overwhelming situations. Such instances of fear are often crucial turning points for the characters or serve as plot catalysts, showcasing the power of fear in shaping human experiences.