Gaze Quote by Anna Banks
““I won't meet his glare. "I guess I didn't care." Telling him I meant to murder his sister probably wouldn't go over very well. It would definitely cancel out the Hallmark vote. "Unacceptable. Don't ever risk your life like that again, do you understand?" I snort, sending little air bubbles dancing upward. "Hey, you know what else I don't care about? You giving me orders. I acted stupid, but-" "Actually, this is a good time to point out that I'm a Royal," he says, pointing to the small tattoo of a fork on his stomach, just above the border where his abs turn into fish. "And since you're obviously Syrena, you do have to obey me." "I'm what? " I say, trying to figure out how an eating utensil could possibly validate his claim of seniority. "Syrena. That's what we-including you-are called." "Syrena? Not mermaids?" Galen clears his throat. "Uh, mer maid ?" "Really? You're gonna go there now ? Fine, mer man -wait, I wouldn't be a merman." Really though, what do I know about fish gender? Except that Galen is definitely male, no matter what species he is. "Just for the record, we hate that word. And by we, I mean you also." I roll my eyes. "Fine. But I'm not Syrena. Did I mention I don't have a big fin-" "You're not trying hard enough." " Trying hard enough? To grow a fin? ””
About This Quote
A character resists hierarchical control, mocking the absurdity of imposed titles and gendered expectations while asserting personal agency.
In simple terms: Rejecting imposed authority and identity labels.
Authority can be absurd; self‑definition matters.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Confronting a superior
- Questioning a title
- Defying gendered expectations
- Negotiating power in a fantastical setting
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- Creative writing
- Character development
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor expose power structures?
- What does self‑identification mean in a hierarchical world?