Accessories Quote by Robert Graves
“The gas-cylinders had by this time been put into position on the front line. A special order came round imposing severe penalties on anyone who used any word but "accessory" in speaking of the gas. This was to keep it secret, but the French civilians knew all about the scheme long before this.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: I, Claudius, 1934
Describes secretive handling of chemical weapons, with strict language control to conceal truth, illustrating wartime censorship.
In simple terms: Secret orders and language control.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how language can hide reality.
Themes
war
secrecy
language
ethics
military strategy
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- historical research
- military policy
- media analysis
Key Concepts
propaganda
information control
moral responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the ethical limits of language control?
- How does secrecy affect civilian trust?
A Different Perspective
Secrecy can backfire when locals learn truth.
