Ask Quote by Patrick Ness
““Or perhaps we should just ask Todd." I pound the glass right at his face. He doesn't even flinch. And then she says, "Todd would never tell you. Never." And the Mayor just looks at me. And he smiles My stomach sinks, my heart drops, my head feels so light I feel like I'm going to drop right to the ground. Oh, Viola- Viola, please- Forgive me. "Captain Hammar," the Mayor says and Viola's plunged into the water again, unable to not scream out in fright as down she goes. "NO!" I shout, pressing myself against the mirror. But the Mayor ain't even looking at her. He's looking right at me, as if he could see me even if I was behind a brick wall. "STOP IT!" I shout as she's thrashing again- And more- And more- "VIOLA!" And I'm pounding even tho my hands are breaking- And Mr. Hammar is grinning and holding her there- "VIOLA!" And her wrist are starting to bleed from where she's pulling- "I'LL KILL YOU!"- I'm shouting into the Mayor's face- With all my Noise- "I'LL KILL YOU!"- And still holding her there- "VIOLA! VIOLA!"- But it's Davy- Of all people- It's Davy who stops it.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Monster Calls, Patrick Ness, 2011
A desperate plea for help in a terrifying situation, confronting authority that seems indifferent, and the struggle to protect a loved one from abuse
In simple terms: A person tries to stop a violent act but feels powerless against those in charge
Key Takeaway
Fight for the vulnerable despite feeling trapped
Themes
courage
protective love
authority
violence
desperation
Mood
fearful
determined
urgent
Type
dramatic
emotional
conflict
When to use this quote
- family crisis
- abuse intervention
- standing up to power
- emotional breakdown
Key Concepts
power dynamics
psychological trauma
moral conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do if you saw someone being harmed?
- How can you safely intervene when authority seems complicit?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may dramatize events, so real-life interventions require safe, legal actions
