Skip to content

War Quote by Philippa Gregory

“I understand now why they break into convents, force women against their will, defy sanctuary to finish the killing chase. They arouse in themselves a wild vicious hunger more like animals than men. I did not know that war was like this. I feel I have been a fool not to know, since I was raised in…” quote by Philippa Gregory
Download Open image
““I understand now why they break into convents, force women against their will, defy sanctuary to finish the killing chase. They arouse in themselves a wild vicious hunger more like animals than men. I did not know that war was like this. I feel I have been a fool not to know, since I was raised in a kingdom at war and am the daughter of a man captured in battle, the widow of a knight, the wife of a merciless soldier. But I know now.””

Philippa Gregory

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory, 2001

The speaker realizes the brutal, dehumanizing nature of war, recognizing that it turns people into savage hunters rather than civilized beings.

In simple terms: War makes people act like animals, not humans.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge war’s cruelty and seek peace.

Themes

war humanity dehumanization realization

Mood

somber reflective tragic

Type

literary reflective philosophical

When to use this quote

  • military conflict
  • personal trauma
  • historical fiction
  • family legacy

Key Concepts

psychology violence societal impact

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does personal loss shape one’s view of conflict?
  • Can recognizing cruelty change one’s actions?
A Different Perspective

War’s allure can blind moral judgment.

2.8 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Philippa Gregory

Explore all 408 Philippa Gregory quotes

More War quotes

Browse all 38,932 War quotes