Some people view tryhards negatively since more casual players can get instantly overwhelmed by people in matchmaking that are hard-pressed to win rather than to just have fun. But that’s where an important distinction is being asked: is tryharding the same as simply trying to win.

It is no stretch of the imagination to suppose the Carnival, with the vivacity that here is known but as a traveller's tale of the quick-hearted Italian, the ubiquitous life, the perpetual motion, the sunshine all through and through one's feelings, and one's thoughts and its reflection on our actions, and our influence on others; […]

I have said that the fury of the rushing blast was infernal — cacodaemoniacal — and that its voices were hideous with the pent-up viciousness of desolate eternities.

That interpretation certainly colors my perception of the book.