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Cardan Quote by Holly Black

“So did you murder Balekin?' Nihuar asks me, clearly able to put off her curiosity no longer. 'Yes,' I say. 'After he poisoned the High King.' 'Poisoned?' she echoes in astonishment, looking at Cardan. He shrugs, lounging in a chair, looking bored as ever. 'You can hardly expect me to mention every…” quote by Holly Black
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““So did you murder Balekin?' Nihuar asks me, clearly able to put off her curiosity no longer. 'Yes,' I say. 'After he poisoned the High King.' 'Poisoned?' she echoes in astonishment, looking at Cardan. He shrugs, lounging in a chair, looking bored as ever. 'You can hardly expect me to mention every little thing.””

Holly Black

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Darkest Part of the Forest, Holly Black, 2015

A character’s curiosity and guilt reveal moral ambiguity in a fantastical setting.

In simple terms: Curiosity meets guilt in fantasy.

Key Takeaway

Question motives before acting.

Themes

morality curiosity fantasy guilt

Mood

mysterious dark

Type

literary dialogue

When to use this quote

  • reading
  • role‑playing games
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

ethical ambiguity character dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why does the character hide curiosity?
  • What does the poison symbolize?
A Different Perspective

Moral complexity may confuse readers.

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