Lawyers Quote by Hilary Mantel
““But I want him north," Howard says. "Tell him to go. Tell him Norfolk says he must be on the road and out of here. Or--and tell him this--I will come where he is, and I will tear him with my teeth." "My lord." He bows. "May I substitute the word 'bite'?" Norfolk approaches him. He stands far too close. His eyes are bloodshot. Every sinew is jumping. He says, "Substitute nothing, you misbegotten--" the duke stabs a forefinger into his shoulder. "You . . . person," he says; and again,"you nobody from Hell, you whore-spawn, you cluster of evil, you lawyer.””
About This Quote
A character demands a brutal, violent response, substituting “bite” for a more graphic act, revealing intense aggression and power dynamics.
In simple terms: Violent demand replaces a simple bite.
Key Takeaway
Recognize extreme aggression in power struggles.
Themes
violence
power
language
conflict
Mood
intense
dark
Type
dramatic
literary
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- character study
Key Concepts
psychological manipulation
authoritarian control
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives such aggression?
- How does language shape perception of violence?
A Different Perspective
Violence may alienate audiences.
