Bosom Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
““Drink then," he replied, still with the same cold composure. "Does thou know mw so little Hester Pyrnne? Are my purposes wont to be so shallow? Even if I imagine a scheme of vengeance, what could i do better for my object than to let thee live-than to give the medicines against all harm and peril of life-so that this burning shame may still blaze upon thy bosom?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850
The speaker questions whether harming someone is more just than allowing them to live, suggesting that true cruelty may be giving them a false sense of safety while preserving their shame.
In simple terms: Is it kinder to let someone live with shame than to kill them?
Key Takeaway
Consider the moral weight of mercy versus harm.
Themes
morality
mercy
shame
revenge
Mood
thoughtful
conflicted
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- justice system
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
ethical dilemma
psychology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Is mercy always the kinder choice?
- How does allowing shame affect the victim?
A Different Perspective
Mercy can perpetuate suffering if it maintains harmful conditions.
