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Say, do we kill the women too?" "Well, Ben Rogers, if I…

“Say, do we kill the women too?" "Well, Ben Rogers, if I was as ignorant as you I wouldn't let on. Kill the women? No; nobody ever saw anything in the books like that. You fetch them to the cave, and you're always as polite as pie to them; and by and by they fall in love with you, and never want to…” quote by mark twain
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““Say, do we kill the women too?" "Well, Ben Rogers, if I was as ignorant as you I wouldn't let on. Kill the women? No; nobody ever saw anything in the books like that. You fetch them to the cave, and you're always as polite as pie to them; and by and by they fall in love with you, and never want to go home anymore.””

mark twain

About This Quote

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

A satirical dialogue mocks naive cruelty, showing how politeness can mask darker motives.

In simple terms: Politeness can hide harmful intentions.

Key Takeaway

Question appearances, not just words.

Themes

satire morality human nature

Mood

wry thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • social commentary
  • educational settings
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

hypocrisy power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does politeness influence moral judgement?
  • When does courtesy become complicity?
A Different Perspective

Humor may downplay serious issues.

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