Using 'must' in the simple past?

[Torsten]

Hi,

I've come across the following paragraph and I wonder about the use of 'must':

The candles had burned out. The only light was coming from the spotlights trained on the various trees and shrubbery. He had called the yard his oasis. She must accept the evening in the same way. Only an oasis, an isolated moment of pleasure.
Rachel dropped her head back to the daybed. He stirred, then moved to a position behind her...

As far as I can see every verb in that paragraph is in past tense except for "She must accept the evening..." Maybe the authors wants to switch between Rachel's thoughts and describing the situation? But the scene is being presented in past tense so why switch back and say "She must accept..."?

Please let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Torsten

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[Yankee]

Hi Torsten

You're right. The author easily could have used 'had to' or 'would have to'.

But one thought I had was the fact that the sentence (along with the following fragment) seem to be what she was saying to herself in her mind (even though the word 'she' is used). Using 'must' tends to make the sentence seem more similar to direct speech. Possibly that's what the author wanted to achieve.

Or maybe it's just a mistake. 8)

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Torsten]

Good morning Amy,

Thanks a lot for answering my question. Your explanation makes perfect sense. It's great to have somebody to turn when such tricky grammar questions arise.

Cheers,
Torsten

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