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Wives?" she asked, interrupting him. For a moment, he had…

“Wives?" she asked, interrupting him. For a moment, he had assumed she was tuning to the novel. Then he saw her waiting, suspicious eyes, so he replied cautiously, "None active," as if wives were volcanoes.” quote by John le Carre
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“Wives?" she asked, interrupting him. For a moment, he had assumed she was tuning to the novel. Then he saw her waiting, suspicious eyes, so he replied cautiously, "None active," as if wives were volcanoes.”

John le Carre

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 avoids revealing personal details about wives, treating the topic as volatile and dangerous.

In simple terms: He treats the subject of wives as a volatile topic.

Key Takeaway

Handle sensitive topics with caution.

Themes

secrecy relationships danger

Mood

suspenseful reflective

Type

fictional psychological

When to use this quote

  • interrogations
  • family discussions
  • confidential negotiations

Key Concepts

espionage personal privacy risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why are wives likened to volcanoes?
  • How can one discuss personal matters safely?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex relationships.

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