You talk about vengeance. Is vengeance going to bring your…
““You talk about vengeance. Is vengeance going to bring your son back to you or my boy to me? I forgo the vengeance of my son. But I have selfish reasons, my youngest son was forced to leave this country because of this Sollozzo business. All right, now I have to make arrangements to bring him back here safely cleared of all these false charges. But I'm a superstitious man and if some unlucky accident should befall him, if he should get shot in the head by a police officer, or if should hang himself in his jail cell, or if he's struck by a bolt of lightening, then I'm going to blame some of the people in this room, and that I do not forgive. But, that aside, let me say that I swear, on the souls of my grandchildren, that I will not be the one to break the peace we have made here today.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A man contemplates vengeance versus protecting his family, fearing unintended harm and seeking peace.
In simple terms: He balances revenge with protecting his children and maintaining peace.
Key Takeaway
Choose peace over vengeance.
Themes
family
revenge
justice
peace
responsibility
Mood
conflicted
determined
Type
philosophical
dramatic
When to use this quote
- protecting children
- negotiating peace
- avoiding retaliation
- managing threats
Key Concepts
moral dilemma
family loyalty
consequences
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you sacrifice for peace?
- How do personal motives affect justice?
A Different Perspective
Vengeance may perpetuate cycles of violence.