Children Quote by Elizabeth Gaskell
““Oh! A little bird told us,' said Miss Browning. Molly knew that little bird from her childhood, and had always hated it, and longed to wring its neck. Why could not people speak out and say that they did not mean to give up the name of their informant?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell, 1848
A character envies the power of informants and resents being forced to reveal secrets, highlighting the tension between truth and privacy.
In simple terms: People resent being forced to betray secrets.
Key Takeaway
Guard your secrets wisely.
Themes
trust
privacy
power
truth
Mood
anxious
critical
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- political whistleblowing
- personal relationships
- media leaks
- corporate confidentiality
Key Concepts
informant dynamics
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it justified to expose a secret?
- How does fear of betrayal affect honesty?
A Different Perspective
The need for transparency can clash with personal safety.
