Final answer:
Fear in literature serves to develop characters and propel the plot, while in public speaking and acting, overcoming fear is linked to personal growth. Fear can also be employed rhetorically to persuade or motivate an audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fear of appearances mentioned in the quote reflects a concern with external perceptions and may lead to a lack of action or decisiveness, often seen as a sign of impotence or ineffectiveness. In literature, fear is an emotion frequently explored to illustrate character development or to invoke suspense in the plot.
The application of fear can reveal underlying themes or serve as a tool to convey a message to the reader. For instance, it may depict characters in a dire situation, leading to pivotal decisions or actions that drive the narrative forward.
Furthermore, in public speaking or acting, overcoming fear is associated with growth and the ability to exhibit emotional truth. In these contexts, fear can also be used as a rhetorical device to persuade or influence an audience, as seen in speeches that appeal to fear to motivate change.