Argument Quote by Stephanie Garber
““If you really believe this is what you want, you're lying to yourself.' 'I'm not lying to myself,' Jacks snarled. 'Then tell me this is what you truly want. Swear you want this more than anything else and I'll never mention it again.' Jacks grabbed her by the shoulders and looked directly in to her eyes. For a minute, he didn't speak. He just looked at her, at the remaining blood still on her lips and the dried tears staining her cheeks. 'I swear this is what I really want.' He spoke each word like a vow. 'I want to erase every moment you and I have spent together, every word you've said to me, and every time I've touched you, because if I don't, I'll kill you, just like I killed the Fox.' Evangeline's heart stopped. She searched Jacks' eyes, but all she saw was darkness, and all she felt was the press of his hands. He held on to her the way a person might grasp the edge of a cliff, knowing once they let go, there was no taking hold again.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Caraval, 2017
A character forces a lover to confront the truth of their desire, using intimidation to erase shared memories and threaten violence.
In simple terms: A lover is coerced into confessing true desire under threat of death.
Beware coercion masquerading as honesty.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- abusive relationships
- conflict resolution
- self‑reflection
- boundary setting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do if love demanded such a sacrifice?
- How can one recognize manipulation disguised as concern?
The ultimatum relies on fear, not genuine consent.