We had to throw rocks," she said miserably. "I told her to…
““We had to throw rocks," she said miserably. "I told her to run, to go be free, that I didn't want her anymore. There were other wolves for her to play with, we heard them howling, and Jory said the woods were full of game, so she'd have deer to hunt. Only she kept following and finally we had to throw rocks. I hit her twice. She whined and looked at me and I felt so 'shamed, but it was right, wasn't it? The queen would have killed her." "It was right," her father said. "And even the lie was... not without honour.””
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 rationalizes violent cruelty as a necessary, honorable act, revealing moral conflict and societal pressure.
In simple terms: Violence is justified as duty despite guilt.
Key Takeaway
Question actions, accept responsibility.
Themes
morality
violence
honor
guilt
Mood
conflicted
grim
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
dramatic
When to use this quote
- parental authority
- war
- family conflict
- survival decisions
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
power dynamics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Is violence ever truly honorable?
- How does power shape moral choices?
A Different Perspective
The justification may ignore the victim's humanity and long‑term trauma.