Broken glass Quote by Jeanne DuPrau
““Think about what it would mean to fight," he said. "Say we barricade ourselves here in the hotel and refuse to leave. They come at us with their Weapon, whatever it is. Some of us are hurt, some die. We go out to meet them with whatever weapons we can find - sticks, maybe, or pieces of broken glass. We battle each other. Maybe they set fire to the hotel. Maybe we march into the village and steal food from them nad they come after us and beat us. We beat them back. In the end, maybe we damage them so badly that they're too weak to make us leave. What do we have? Friends and neighbors and families dead. A place half destroyed, and those left in it full of hatred for us. And we ourselves will have to live with the memory of the terrible things we have done.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The City of Ember, Jeanne DuPrau, 2003
The quote reflects on the tragic cycle of violence, where fighting leads to loss, destruction, and lingering trauma for all involved.
In simple terms: Violence creates endless suffering and lasting pain.
Key Takeaway
Consider alternatives to conflict before resorting to violence.
Themes
conflict
war
human cost
memory
survival
Mood
somber
reflective
grim
Type
cautionary
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- war zones
- civil unrest
- community crises
- post‑conflict reconstruction
- personal trauma
Key Concepts
ethical dilemmas
psychological impact
social breakdown
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑violent strategies could have been pursued?
- How does collective trauma affect future generations?
A Different Perspective
Violence may sometimes seem necessary, but it rarely resolves underlying issues and deepens wounds.
