Sacrifice Quote by Sharon Kay Penman
““What do you know of sacrifice? Need I tell you of York's dead . . . of Sandal Castle? My brother did survive the battle, his first. He was seventeen and he entreated them to spare his life. They cut his throat. Their heads were then impaled on York's Micklegate Bar to please the House of Lancaster, to please a harlot and a madman. She had my father's head crowned with straw and she left a spike between the two. . . . That one, she said, was for York's other son.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman, 1982
A vivid recount of brutal medieval violence and personal loss, highlighting the cruelty of power.
In simple terms: War brings brutal personal loss and cruelty.
Key Takeaway
Remember the human cost of power struggles.
Themes
war
violence
history
family tragedy
political intrigue
Mood
somber
reflective
grave
Type
historical
narrative
When to use this quote
- historical study
- family storytelling
- political analysis
Key Concepts
medieval history
revenge
human suffering
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal loss shape historical narratives?
- What lessons arise from such cruelty?
