No, child,” Nona said. “We were victims of the faeries’…
““No, child,” Nona said. “We were victims of the faeries’ pride and greed.” “Victims? Sorry, but most of you don’t seem very victimish to me. What about hags, and fossegrims, and redcaps, and all the other sharp-toothed nasties”—I looked pointedly at the dragon—“in your group? I don’t feel very bad for anything that’s spent all those centuries preying on innocent people.” “It makes sense,” Arianna said, her voice soft but thoughtful. “What?” “When you introduce an alien species into a new environment, it has to adapt or die out. And usually the way it adapts it by preying on the native species. Look at the dodo birds. They were fine until people came to their island with cats and dogs and pigs, then they became prey.” “You do realize you just compared our entire race to dodo birds.” She shrugged. “If they were never meant to be here in the first place, it’s not their fault they had to become predators.” “Thank you, Animal Planet.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The dialogue compares invasive species to humans, suggesting that newcomers often become predators, highlighting ecological disruption.
In simple terms: Newcomers can become predators, harming natives.
Key Takeaway
Beware of invasive impacts.
Themes
ecology
ethics
adaptation
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- conservation
- cultural integration
Key Concepts
evolution
colonialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance progress with ecological harm?
- Can adaptation be ethical?
A Different Perspective
Not all invasions are intentional or malicious.