Betrayal Quote by Margaret Atwood
““We fight in whispers or well out of the way, because if we’re caught we will both be punished. For this reason we don’t tell on each other. We know from experience that the satisfactions of betrayal are scarcely worth it.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Penelopiad” by Margaret Atwood, 2005
People avoid exposing betrayal to prevent mutual punishment; the fleeting thrill of betrayal is not worth the risk.
In simple terms: Keeping secrets avoids mutual harm.
Key Takeaway
Choose loyalty over risky betrayal.
Themes
trust
betrayal
risk
silence
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
ethical
contemplative
When to use this quote
- friendships
- workplace
- activism
Key Concepts
ethical dilemmas
social contracts
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks do you accept to protect others?
- When is speaking out justified?
A Different Perspective
Silence may enable ongoing harm.
