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Can a magician kill a man by magic?” Lord Wellington asked…

“Can a magician kill a man by magic?” Lord Wellington asked Strange. Strange frowned. He seemed to dislike the question. “I suppose a magician might,” he admitted, “but a gentleman never would.” quote by Susanna Clarke
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“Can a magician kill a man by magic?” Lord Wellington asked Strange. Strange frowned. He seemed to dislike the question. “I suppose a magician might,” he admitted, “but a gentleman never would.”

Susanna Clarke

About This Quote

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

Even magical abilities have moral limits; a gentleman would not kill.

In simple terms: Gentlemen avoid lethal magic.

Key Takeaway

Respect ethical boundaries in power.

Themes

ethics magic gentlemanly conduct

Mood

reflective serious

Type

fantasy ethical

When to use this quote

  • legal debates
  • magical duels
  • teaching ethics
  • storytelling

Key Concepts

philosophy fantasy literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines a “gentleman” in magical contexts?
  • Can magic ever be justified for killing?
A Different Perspective

Power can be misused despite good intentions.

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