Blow Quote by Stendhal
“It is with blows dealt by public contempt that a husband kills his wife in the nineteenth century; it is by shutting the doors ofall the drawing-rooms in her face.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Le Rouge et le Noir by Stendhal, 1830
Societal scorn can drive a husband to murder his wife, reflecting the power of public contempt.
In simple terms: Public contempt can lead to violent outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how social pressure can cause extreme actions.
Themes
social pressure
violence
gender dynamics
Mood
tragic
critical
Type
literary
historical
When to use this quote
- marriage
- legal systems
- historical crime
- public opinion
Key Concepts
psychology
social influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does public opinion shape personal behavior?
- What safeguards can prevent such tragedies?
A Different Perspective
Not all domestic murders are caused by contempt; other factors may dominate.
![“Ultimately, Monsieur, we must go to God per infamiam et bonam famam [whether spoken of well or ill], and His Divine Goodness is merciful to us when it pleases Him to allow us to encounter blame and public contempt. I am sure you have borne patiently the embarrassment you experienced because of…” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/66b/vincent-de-paul-1676_accepted_ultimately-monsieur-we-must-go-to-god-pe_2967303.jpg)
