Gaze Quote by Stephenie Meyer
““Mel? Mel, I love you. Mel, come back . Mel, Mel, Mel." It's Jared's voice, trying to call me back the way Wanda called back the Healer's host, the way she taught Kyle to call to Jodi. I can answer him. I can speak now. I can feel my tongue in my mouth, ready to move into whatever shape I ask it to. I can feel the air in my lungs, ready to push out the words. If I want this. "Mel, I love you, I love you." This is Wanda's gift to me, paid for with her silver blood. Jared and I, put back together again as if she'd never lived. As if she hadn't saved us both. If I accept this gift, I profit from her death. I kill her again. I take her sacrifice and make it murder. "Mel, please? Open your eyes." I feel his hand on my face, cradling my cheek. I feel his lips burn against my forehead, but I don't want them, not at this price. Or do I?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Host, Stephenie Meyer, 2008
The narrator confronts a moral dilemma about using a gift earned through another’s sacrifice, questioning whether acceptance makes them complicit in that death.
In simple terms: Choosing to use a gift that came from someone’s death raises ethical conflict.
Key Takeaway
Consider the cost of benefit.
Themes
morality
choice
sacrifice
identity
power
Mood
conflicted
reflective
tense
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- Healing relationships
- making decisions about power
- reflecting on sacrifice
- navigating love and loss
Key Concepts
Ethical dilemma
agency
consequence
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it right to benefit from another’s death?
- How do we honor the source of a gift?
A Different Perspective
The gift may carry hidden costs that outweigh its usefulness.
