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Bleeding Quote by Cassandra Clare

“So John took out of his pocket A knife both long and sharp, And stuck it through his brother's heart, And the blood came pouring down. Says John to William, "Take off thy shirt, And tear it from gore to gore, And wrap it round your bleeding heart, And the blood will pour no more.” quote by Cassandra Clare
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“So John took out of his pocket A knife both long and sharp, And stuck it through his brother's heart, And the blood came pouring down. Says John to William, "Take off thy shirt, And tear it from gore to gore, And wrap it round your bleeding heart, And the blood will pour no more.”

Cassandra Clare

About This Quote

Source Novel: Clockwork Prince, 2011

The passage uses vivid, violent imagery to convey betrayal and the desire for retribution, framing emotional pain as a physical wound that must be healed.

In simple terms: Violence mirrors emotional hurt.

Key Takeaway

Seek healthier ways to address betrayal.

Themes

betrayal revenge healing

Mood

intense dramatic

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • relationship breakups
  • family conflict
  • personal trauma

Key Concepts

literature psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What non‑violent actions can replace revenge?
  • How can we process emotional pain constructively?
A Different Perspective

Violent metaphors may glorify aggression rather than promote resolution.

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