Angel Quote by E. M. Forster
“She had been so wicked that in all her life she had done only one good deed-given an onion to a beggar. So she went to hell. As she lay in torment she saw the onion, lowered down from heaven by an angel. She caught hold of it. He began to pull her up. The other damned saw what was happening and caught hold of it too. She was indignant and cried, "Let go-it's my onion," and as soon as she said, "my onion," the stalk broke and she fell back into the flames.”
About This Quote
Source Short story: "The Onion" (attributed, unknown source)
A wicked person’s selfishness causes her to lose a chance at redemption when she clings to a small mercy as if it were her own.
In simple terms: Selfishness ruins redemption.
Key Takeaway
Share generosity without ownership.
Themes
selfishness
redemption
compassion
karma
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
moral
allegorical
When to use this quote
- charity
- personal growth
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
moral tale
altruism
spiritual consequence
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you have done with the onion?
- How does ownership affect generosity?
