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For being in the Circle?” Jace asked, his face a mask of…

“For being in the Circle?” Jace asked, his face a mask of astonishment. “For not leaving it before the Uprising.” “But the Lightwoods weren’t punished,” Clary said. “Why not? They’d done the same thing you’d done.” “There were extenuating circumstances in their case—they were married, they had a…” quote by Cassandra Clare
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““For being in the Circle?” Jace asked, his face a mask of astonishment. “For not leaving it before the Uprising.” “But the Lightwoods weren’t punished,” Clary said. “Why not? They’d done the same thing you’d done.” “There were extenuating circumstances in their case—they were married, they had a child. Although it is not as if they reside in this outpost, far from home, by their own choice. We were banished here, the three of us—the four of us, I should say; Alec was a squalling baby when we left the Glass City. They can return to Idris on official business only, and then only for short times. I can never return. I will never see the Glass City again.””

Cassandra Clare

About This Quote

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

A character explains why they cannot return to a beloved place, citing exile, family obligations, and personal loss, emphasizing sacrifice and longing.

In simple terms: They are forced to stay away because of exile and family ties.

Key Takeaway

Accept loss and seek new purpose.

Themes

exile family sacrifice longing duty

Mood

somber hopeful

Type

narrative emotional

When to use this quote

  • discussing exile
  • supporting a friend
  • making difficult choices
  • coping with loss

Key Concepts

ethical dilemmas personal identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you do if you could not return home?
  • How do you balance duty and personal desire?
A Different Perspective

The narrative may ignore possible alternatives to exile.

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