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Clary Quote by Cassandra Clare

“Julian,” said Jia, in the same gentle voice, “would you do something for us? Would you take up the Mortal Sword?” Clary sat up straight. She had held the Mortal Sword: she had felt the weight of it. The cold, like hooks in your skin, dragging the truth out of you. You couldn’t lie holding the…” quote by Cassandra Clare
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““Julian,” said Jia, in the same gentle voice, “would you do something for us? Would you take up the Mortal Sword?” Clary sat up straight. She had held the Mortal Sword: she had felt the weight of it. The cold, like hooks in your skin, dragging the truth out of you. You couldn’t lie holding the Mortal Sword, but the truth, even a truth you wanted to tell, was agony. “They can’t,” she whispered. “He’s just a kid —” “He’s the oldest of the kids who escaped the Institute,” Jace said under his breath. “They don’t have a choice.” Julian nodded, his thin shoulders straight. “I’ll take it.” Robert Lightwood passed behind the podium then and went to the table. He took up the sword and returned to stand in front of Julian. The contrast between them was almost funny: the big, barrel-chested man and the lanky, wild-haired boy. Julian reached a hand up and took the sword. As his hand closed around the hilt, he shuddered, a ripple of pain that was quickly forced down. Emma, behind him, started forward, and Clary caught a glimpse of the look on her face — pure fury — before Helen caught at her and pulled her back.””

Cassandra Clare

About This Quote

Source Novel: City of Bones, Cassandra Clare, 2007

The Mortal Sword forces truth, causing pain but revealing honesty; taking it shows courage despite suffering.

In simple terms: The sword reveals painful truth; taking it shows bravery.

Key Takeaway

Embrace truth even when painful.

Themes

courage truth sacrifice power responsibility

Mood

tense dramatic reflective

Type

literary dramatic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • battle
  • leadership
  • personal growth
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

Moral dilemma psychological pressure ritualistic symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truth are you avoiding?
  • How does confronting pain empower you?
A Different Perspective

Truth may cause trauma and alienate others.

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