It seems pretty clear that much of what drives the P4 in their involvement with Bravat’s cult is the opportunity to do something good. To ‘shine’ and bring light and happiness to others, whereas in the past they brought only darkness.
This is shown through Bravat’s ‘reward’ of a new song by which to spread the smiles, light and message of the cult.
Greenhill, along with the others, react with boyish delight at being given greater opportunity to ‘shine’. They now believe that the cult and the hall is the only place where they can ‘shine’ and essentially be good, upright human beings. Greenhill’s words (below panel) is even more explicit, referring to their previous failures at Weston.
Aside from Violet, who appears to understand the cult’s true nature, each of the former P4 are determined to atone for their prior mistakes, but do so without regard for the fact that their efforts blind them to the fact that they are only repeating the past.
There is nothing sinister or shady about the P4 here. They are sincere and dedicated in their efforts, almost childlike, kept in line by the assurances and manipulation of Bravat, because they want so badly to ‘shine’ and bring this ‘radiance’ to others instead of the opposite.
Even if the effort physically weakens them, even if they are being used and taken from, they are blind to everything but the joy of having the opportunity to reach atonement for their sins.
Sadly, the way things are progressing, both their innocence and ignorance will be their ruin. I wonder if the P4 will be able to bear the eventual revelation of the truth. Everything they had ever hoped for themselves and others, the good they thought they were doing, the sins they thought they were atoning for, all a lie. All for nothing.
midnight-in-town 