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Commodore Koudelka had just taken a mouthful of wine to…

“Commodore Koudelka had just taken a mouthful of wine to chase his last bite of salmon. The atomized spray arced nearly to Delia, seated across from her father. A lungful of wine in a man that age was an alarming event in any case; Olivia patted his back in hesitant worry, as he buried his…” quote by Lois McMaster Bujold
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““Commodore Koudelka had just taken a mouthful of wine to chase his last bite of salmon. The atomized spray arced nearly to Delia, seated across from her father. A lungful of wine in a man that age was an alarming event in any case; Olivia patted his back in hesitant worry, as he buried his reddening face in his napkin and gasped. Drou half-pushed her chair back, as she hesitated between going up around the table to assist her husband or, possibly, down the table to strangle Mark.””

Lois McMaster Bujold

About This Quote

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

A tense dinner scene shows characters coping with fear, alcohol, and potential violence, highlighting personal crisis and moral choices.

In simple terms: People confront fear and moral dilemmas in social settings.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address personal and others' distress.

Themes

fear alcohol family violence morality

Mood

anxious tense urgent

Type

narrative dramatic warning

When to use this quote

  • dinner parties
  • family gatherings
  • stressful meetings

Key Concepts

psychology conflict resolution social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you intervene when someone is intoxicated and distressed?
  • What signs indicate a situation may become unsafe?
A Different Perspective

Violence may erupt despite attempts to calm.

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