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The nephew revenges himself for this, by holding his…

“The nephew revenges himself for this, by holding his breath and terrifying his kinswoman with the dread belief that he has made up his mind to burst. Regardless of whispers and shakes, he swells and becomes discoloured, and yet again swells and becomes discoloured, until the aunt can bear it no…” quote by Charles Dickens
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“The nephew revenges himself for this, by holding his breath and terrifying his kinswoman with the dread belief that he has made up his mind to burst. Regardless of whispers and shakes, he swells and becomes discoloured, and yet again swells and becomes discoloured, until the aunt can bear it no longer, but leads him out, with no visible neck, and with his eyes going before him like a prawn's.”

Charles Dickens

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's revenge is portrayed through self‑destructive behavior that escalates until others intervene.

In simple terms: Revenge leads to self‑harm and eventual rescue.

Key Takeaway

Beware self‑destructive vengeance.

Themes

revenge self‑destruction family intervention escalation

Mood

tense dramatic tragic

Type

literary dramatic

When to use this quote

  • family conflict
  • personal crisis
  • health emergencies
  • intervention scenarios

Key Concepts

psychology human behavior consequences

Questions to Reflect On

  • What healthier ways could the character express his anger?
  • How does family pressure affect his actions?
A Different Perspective

Self‑destructive revenge may cause collateral damage to innocent parties.

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