Antlers Quote by Taran Matharu
““now or never. If Fletcher didn’t make this kill, he would go hungry tonight. Dusk was fast approaching and he was already running late. He needed to make his way back to the village soon, or the gates would close. If that happened, he would either have to bribe the guards with money he didn’t have or take his chances in the woods overnight. The young elk had just finished rubbing its antlers against a tall pine, scraping the soft velvet that coated them to leave the sharp tines beneath. From its small size and stature, Fletcher could tell it was a juvenile, sporting its first set of antlers. It was a fine specimen, with glossy fur and bright, intelligent eyes. Fletcher felt almost ashamed to hunt such a majestic creature, yet he was already adding up its value in his head. The thick coat would do well when the fur traders came by, especially as it was now winter. It would probably””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Last Apprentice (Fablehaven) by Taran Matharu, 2015
A desperate hunter faces a moral dilemma, weighing survival against the ethics of killing a young elk.
In simple terms: Survival vs. conscience.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethics before acting.
Themes
survival
ethics
conflict
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
narrative
philosophical
When to use this quote
- hunting expeditions
- wilderness survival
- resource management
Key Concepts
Moral decision
resource scarcity
Questions to Reflect On
- What values guide choices under pressure?
- How does scarcity shape moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
The urgency may overlook long‑term ecological impact.
