Children Quote by Alan Bennett The Uncommon Reader
““One has met and indeed entertained many visiting heads of state, some of them unspeakable crooks and blackguards…One has given one's white-gloved hand to hands that were steeped in blood and conversed politely with men who have personally slaughtered children. One has waded through excrement and gore…Sometimes one has felt like a scented candle, sent in to perfume a regime, or aerate a policy, monarchy these days just a government-issue deoderant.””
About This Quote
Encountering powerful, often immoral figures can feel like a perfumed role, masking harsh realities with superficial politeness.
In simple terms: Powerful people may hide cruelty behind polite façades.
Key Takeaway
See beyond appearances; question authority.
Themes
politics
morality
power
hypocrisy
social critique
human nature
Mood
critical
analytic
Type
Children:0
Blood Conversed:0
State Unspeakable:0
Perfume Regime:0
Heads State:0
Hands Steeped:0
When to use this quote
- journalism
- political activism
- historical analysis
- literary criticism
- public discourse
Key Concepts
political theory
ethical philosophy
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize hidden cruelty?
- What role does politeness play in power dynamics?
A Different Perspective
Some may view the metaphor as overly cynical.
