Active Quote by John le Carre
“Wives?" she asked, interrupting him. For a moment, he had assumed she was tuning to the novel. Then he saw her waiting, suspicious eyes, so he replied cautiously, "None active," as if wives were volcanoes.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, 1963, Cold War espionage
A character avoids revealing personal details about wives, treating the topic as volatile and dangerous.
In simple terms: He treats the subject of wives as a volatile topic.
Key Takeaway
Handle sensitive topics with caution.
Themes
secrecy
relationships
danger
Mood
suspenseful
reflective
Type
fictional
psychological
When to use this quote
- interrogations
- family discussions
- confidential negotiations
Key Concepts
espionage
personal privacy
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- Why are wives likened to volcanoes?
- How can one discuss personal matters safely?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex relationships.
