Time Quote by Dorothy Dunnett
““This time, after a moment, he called her bluff. “Perhaps Philippa and I should be thrown together a little more. She might become attached to me if she knew me better.” Kate, brightening visibly, ignored the gleam in his eye. “That would make her sorry for you?” “It might. The object of any sort of clinical study deserves compassion, don’t you think?” “Snakes don’t,” said Katherine inconsequently. “I hate snakes.” “And yet you feed them on honey cakes and forbid them to defend themselves.” “Defencelessness is not a noted characteristic of serpents. Anyhow, I can’t have them lying rattling about the house. It gets on the nerves.” “It does if you handle it by rattling back.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: King’s Blood, 1995
A character manipulates a relationship by pretending to be vulnerable, revealing power dynamics and emotional control tactics.
In simple terms: He pretends to be vulnerable to control.
Key Takeaway
Recognize manipulation and set boundaries.
Themes
power
relationship
manipulation
vulnerability
control
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
psychological
dialogue
When to use this quote
- dating
- workplace
- family dynamics
- therapy
- negotiation
Key Concepts
psychology
emotional intelligence
trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you spot genuine vulnerability versus strategic manipulation?
- What boundaries protect you from emotional control?
A Different Perspective
Manipulation can backfire if the other party sees through it.
