Bird Quote by Jerzy Kosiński
““One day he trapped a large raven, whose wings he painted red, the breast green, and the tail blue. When a flock of ravens appeared over our hut, Lekh freed the painted bird. As soon as it joined the flock a desperate battle began. The changeling was attacked from all sides. Black, red, green, blue feathers began to drop at our feet. The ravens ran amuck in the skies, and suddenly the painted raven plummeted to the freshly-plowed soil. It was still alive, opening its beak and vainly trying to move its wings. Its eyes had been pecked out, and fresh blood streamed over its painted feathers. It made yet another attempt to flutter up from the sticky earth, but its strength was gone.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: The Painted Raven, 1975
A painted raven, marked as different, is attacked and destroyed by its own kind, illustrating the danger of standing out.
In simple terms: Being different can invite hostility.
Key Takeaway
Beware of drawing unwanted attention.
Themes
conformity
identity
bullying
vulnerability
Mood
somber
reflective
cautionary
Type
narrative
allegorical
When to use this quote
- schoolyard bullying
- workplace culture
- online harassment
Key Concepts
social ostracism
group dynamics
individuality
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do groups target those who appear abnormal?
- How can individuals protect themselves when singled out?
A Different Perspective
Difference can provoke aggression from the majority.
