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A phrase runs through his head – was it Thomas More’s? –…

“A phrase runs through his head – was it Thomas More’s? – ‘the peace of the hen coop when the fox has run home’. He sees the scattered carcasses,” quote by Hilary Mantel
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““A phrase runs through his head – was it Thomas More’s? – ‘the peace of the hen coop when the fox has run home’. He sees the scattered carcasses,””

Hilary Mantel

About This Quote

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

The quote likens a calm, safe environment to a hen coop after a threat has left, highlighting the eerie stillness that follows violence.

In simple terms: Peace feels strange after danger passes.

Key Takeaway

Notice how calm can be unsettling.

Themes

war peace aftermath psychology

Mood

reflective somber thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • post‑war societies
  • personal trauma
  • rebuilding communities
  • mental health recovery
  • historical reflection

Key Concepts

security tranquility disquiet memory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does safety feel after chaos?
  • What hidden wounds remain when danger passes?
A Different Perspective

The sense of peace may mask lingering trauma or unresolved conflict.

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