Meaning: This quote is an excerpt from the novel "Airport" by Arthur Hailey, a Canadian-British author known for his best-selling novels focusing on the inner workings of various industries. In this particular quote, Hailey reflects on the impact of a specific event, suggesting that it left a lasting impression of intensity and distress on those who experienced it. The use of the words "vividness" and "anguish" indicates that the memory of those two days was not only clear and detailed but also deeply distressing for the individuals involved.

In "Airport," Hailey explores the lives of various individuals connected to a fictional airport during a time of crisis. The novel delves into the personal and professional challenges faced by airport staff, passengers, and others affected by a series of dramatic events. The quote captures the emotional aftermath of these events, hinting at the profound impact they had on those involved.

Hailey's skillful use of language in this quote allows readers to empathize with the characters and grasp the depth of their emotional turmoil. The phrase "long afterward" suggests that the events in question were significant enough to linger in the memories of those affected, indicating a lasting emotional impact. By emphasizing the vividness of the recollection, Hailey conveys the idea that the experience was so powerful that it remained etched in the minds of those who lived through it.

Furthermore, the use of the word "anguish" conveys a sense of deep suffering and emotional pain, hinting at the trauma experienced by the characters during those two days in October. This choice of language adds a layer of complexity to the quote, evoking a strong emotional response from the reader and highlighting the profound impact of the events on the characters.

The first week of October holds symbolic significance as a time of transition and change, as it marks the beginning of a new month and often coincides with shifts in weather and seasonal transformations. By setting the events in the quote during this time, Hailey may have intended to underscore the idea of a significant and transformative period in the characters' lives, further emphasizing the lasting impact of the experience.

In summary, this quote from "Airport" by Arthur Hailey encapsulates the enduring emotional impact of a distressing event on the characters in the novel. Through the masterful use of language, Hailey conveys the intensity of the experience and the lasting anguish it caused, allowing readers to empathize with the characters and appreciate the depth of their emotional turmoil. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the profound effects that significant events can have on individuals, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the events have passed.