---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The cunning old cow, thought Melena. She…"
description: "\"“The cunning old cow, thought Melena. She is trying that rarest of strategies, telling the truth, and making it sound plausible.”\" — Gregory Maguire"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/gregory-maguire-547_telling-the-truth_the-cunning-old-cow-thought-melena-she-i_1513708.png"
---

#  The cunning old cow, thought Melena. She is trying that…

![“The cunning old cow, thought Melena. She is trying that rarest of strategies, telling the truth, and making it sound plausible.” quote by Gregory Maguire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/gregory-maguire-547_telling-the-truth_the-cunning-old-cow-thought-melena-she-i_1513708.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/gregory-maguire-547_telling-the-truth_the-cunning-old-cow-thought-melena-she-i_1513708.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/gregory-maguire-547_telling-the-truth_the-cunning-old-cow-thought-melena-she-i_1513708.png)

> ““The cunning old cow, thought Melena. She is trying that rarest of strategies, telling the truth, and making it sound plausible.””

[Gregory Maguire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-maguire/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

An old cow uses truth‑telling as a clever strategy to seem believable.

**In simple terms:** Truth can be used strategically.

Key Takeaway

Consider how honesty can influence perception.

Themes

strategy truth perception deception

Mood

analytical reflective

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

- political discourse
- marketing
- personal negotiations

Key Concepts

narrative tactics character analysis

Questions to Reflect On

- When is truth a strategy versus sincerity?
- How does plausibility affect trust?

A Different Perspective

Truth may be seen as manipulative if used for gain.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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