In the given sentence, the word "reckoning" is used alongside "days of retribution" and "judgment," suggesting a sense of settling accounts or facing consequences. In this context, the word "reckoning" is closest in meaning to "judgment."
In the provided sentence, the term "reckoning" is contextualized within a discussion of ancient religious texts that reference "days of retribution, reckoning, and judgment." In this context, "reckoning" shares thematic resonance with the concepts of retribution and judgment. The term implies a moment of settling or facing consequences for one's actions, often tied to a moral or divine evaluation. It denotes a period of reflection and accountability, suggesting that individuals will be called to answer for their deeds.
Mary Shelley, renowned as the author of "Frankenstein," is credited as a pioneer in the post-apocalyptic genre with her 1826 work, "The Last Man." The juxtaposition of ancient religious themes and Shelley's contribution highlights the evolution of literature exploring catastrophic scenarios and their aftermath. While ancient texts foreshadowed divine retribution, Shelley's narrative innovation extends to envisioning the consequences of societal collapse and the challenges faced by the last surviving human. In this way, "reckoning" takes on a broader significance, encompassing not only divine judgment but also the existential evaluation of humanity in the wake of apocalyptic events. Thus, within this paragraph, "reckoning" is closely aligned with the idea of moral judgment and the consequences that follow in the aftermath of catastrophic events.