Meaning: The quote, "If a man dreams that he has committed a sin before which the sun hid his face, it is often safe to conjecture that, in sheer forgetfulness, he wore a red tie, or brown boots with evening dress," is a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of sin and its relationship to human fallibility. It is attributed to Arthur Machen, a Welsh author and mystic known for his influential contributions to the supernatural fiction genre in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Machen's writing often delved into themes of the occult, the mysterious, and the blurred boundaries between the natural and supernatural worlds.

At first glance, this quote may seem enigmatic, but its meaning becomes clearer upon closer examination. The imagery of the sun hiding its face suggests a profound sense of shame or moral wrongdoing, evoking a powerful symbol of divine judgment. The mention of seemingly trivial actions such as wearing a red tie or brown boots with evening dress juxtaposed with the weighty notion of committing a sin underscores the idea that human error and sin can manifest in unexpected or mundane ways.

Machen's quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the complexity of human nature and the potential for moral failings to arise from seemingly insignificant oversights or lapses in judgment. It invites contemplation on the nuanced and often paradoxical nature of sin, challenging the notion that wrongdoing is always accompanied by grand gestures or deliberate transgressions. Instead, Machen suggests that the path to moral error can be paved with the small, overlooked details of daily life.

Furthermore, the quote encourages reflection on the relationship between intention and consequence. The notion of "sheer forgetfulness" implies that the individual's actions were not driven by malicious intent but rather by a lack of mindfulness or awareness. This raises questions about the nature of culpability and the ways in which human shortcomings can lead to unintended harm or moral missteps.

In the context of Machen's broader body of work, this quote aligns with his thematic exploration of the mysterious and the uncanny. By linking the concept of sin to mundane actions, Machen blurs the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary, suggesting that the forces of fate and moral consequence can operate in subtle, inscrutable ways.

Machen's literary legacy has had a lasting impact on the supernatural fiction genre, influencing writers such as H.P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman. His ability to infuse his work with philosophical depth and psychological insight, as exemplified in the quote in question, continues to resonate with readers and scholars interested in probing the hidden recesses of the human psyche and the enigmatic nature of sin and morality.

In conclusion, Arthur Machen's quote offers a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of sin, moral fallibility, and the intricate interplay between seemingly mundane actions and their potential moral consequences. Its evocative imagery and subtle philosophical underpinnings exemplify Machen's skill as a writer and his enduring relevance in the realm of supernatural and philosophical literature.