Gaze Quote by G.A. Aiken
““Dagmar turned when she felt a tug on her sleeve, a human male standing next to her. “Yes?” “Yeah, how much for the blonde?” Dagmar blinked, glanced back at Gwenvael and the three girls before asking, “Pardon?” “The blonde. How much for the blonde? The bigger one. Just for an hour or so?” Of course. Dagmar would never be one of the whores … she must be selling the whores. “Five coppers for an hour,” she replied. “Any more than that and it’ll cost you.” “An hour will do.” He reached into his pocket and handed her five copper pieces. She dropped them into her satchel, tapped Gwenvael on the shoulder, and said, “He’s bought you for an hour of sex. Enjoy.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Dark City by G.A. Aiken, 2024
A woman, forced into a degrading transaction, uses it to protect her companions, highlighting survival amid exploitation.
In simple terms: She trades herself to save others.
Key Takeaway
Use agency to protect those you care about.
Themes
survival
exploitation
protective sacrifice
morality
power dynamics
Mood
tense
grim
reflective
Type
narrative
dramatic
cautionary
When to use this quote
- war-torn markets
- human trafficking
- protective bargaining
Key Concepts
human dignity
economic coercion
protective deception
Questions to Reflect On
- What moral compromises are justified to protect loved ones?
- How does power imbalance shape choices?
