Gaze Quote by Kendare Blake
““It is still three days,” she says, “and there is always the Hunt. The ritual hunt to provide meat for the feasts. Then normally there are daily blessings, and rites that the temple performs. But this year there won’t be much of that. Everyone will be preparing for the Disembarking the night after the Hunt, and the Quickening on the night after that.” “The Disembarking,” he says. “Where you are presented to the suitors.” “Where the suitors are presented to us,” she says, and punches him in the arm. “All right. Ow. And the Quickening. That’s when you demonstrate your gift. How are you going to manage that?” he asks, and braces for another hit. Arsinoe chuckles instead. “I thought I would learn to juggle three herring,” she says. “Katharine will eat poison, and Mirabella . . . Mirabella can fart cyclones for all it will matter. The island will love her best.” “Fart cyclones,” Billy says, smirking. “Yes, you would like that, would you?” He shakes his head. “And after Beltane is over, that’s when you are courted, officially,” he says. “And when . . .” “And when we can kill one another,” Arsinoe says. ””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Bone Season, Samantha Shannon, 2013
A ritual cycle of hunts, blessings, and rites marks societal rites, but disruptions cause anxiety about upcoming trials.
In simple terms: Society follows ritual cycles; disruptions cause fear of future events.
Key Takeaway
Prepare for change by understanding underlying traditions.
Themes
ritual
societal pressure
change
anxiety
coming of age
Mood
tense
hopeful
Type
cultural
philosophical
When to use this quote
- festival planning
- community meetings
- personal preparation
- education on traditions
Key Concepts
anthropology
mythology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What role do rituals play in personal identity?
- How can societies adapt rituals during crises?
A Different Perspective
Not all members may accept or understand the rituals.
