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... “Dangerous!” Vea laughed radiantly. “What an utterly…

“... “Dangerous!” Vea laughed radiantly. “What an utterly marvellous compliment! Why am I dangerous, Shevek?” “Why, because you know that in the eyes of men you are a thing, a thing owned, bought, sold. And so you think only of tricking the owners, of getting revenge –”...” quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
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““... “Dangerous!” Vea laughed radiantly. “What an utterly marvellous compliment! Why am I dangerous, Shevek?” “Why, because you know that in the eyes of men you are a thing, a thing owned, bought, sold. And so you think only of tricking the owners, of getting revenge –”...””

Ursula K. Le Guin

About This Quote

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

A character revels in being labeled dangerous because it reflects power dynamics of ownership and resistance against oppression.

In simple terms: Being called dangerous shows power over others.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how labels reveal hidden power structures.

Themes

power resistance identity ownership rebellion

Mood

defiant playful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • personal relationships
  • artistic expression

Key Concepts

postcolonial theory existentialism social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does being called dangerous affect self‑perception?
  • What power does the term hold in society?
A Different Perspective

Labels can oversimplify complex motivations.

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