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Everybody knew that books were dangerous. Read the wrong…

“Everybody knew that books were dangerous. Read the wrong book, it was said, and the words crawled around your brain on black legs and drove you mad, wicked mad.” quote by Frances Hardinge
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“Everybody knew that books were dangerous. Read the wrong book, it was said, and the words crawled around your brain on black legs and drove you mad, wicked mad.”

Frances Hardinge

About This Quote

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

Books can be perceived as dangerous, with ideas that infiltrate minds and destabilize sanity.

In simple terms: Books are seen as mind‑altering and dangerous.

Key Takeaway

Read critically, question narratives.

Themes

literature danger ideas mind madness

Mood

cautionary inquisitive

Type

analytical educational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • media literacy
  • critical thinking
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

cognitive psychology literary criticism propaganda

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do ideas shape thought?
  • When is censorship justified?
A Different Perspective

Not all books are harmful; context matters.

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