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You are not permitted to kill a woman who has injured you…

“You are not permitted to kill a woman who has injured you, but nothing forbids you to reflect that she is growing older every minute. You are avenged 1440 times a day.” quote by Ambrose Bierce
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“You are not permitted to kill a woman who has injured you, but nothing forbids you to reflect that she is growing older every minute. You are avenged 1440 times a day.”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Violence against a woman is prohibited, yet she ages and is metaphorically “avenged” constantly.

In simple terms: You can’t kill her, but she ages and you feel revenge.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the futility of vengeance and the passage of time.

Themes

mortality revenge time

Mood

dark ironic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal conflict
  • moral dilemmas
  • historical context

Key Concepts

ethical paradox human frailty

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “avenged 1440 times a day” symbolize?
  • How does time influence our sense of justice?
A Different Perspective

The statement mixes literal and figurative language, creating ambiguity.

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