--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Is this Prior?\" \"In the flesh.\" \"Why's he…" description: "\"Is this Prior?\" \"In the flesh.\" \"Why's he bleeding?\" \"Because he's an idiot.\" Zeke offers me a black jacket with a factionless symbol stitched into the..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8b/veronica-roth-66_black_is-this-prior-in-the-flesh-why-s-he-blee_1560449.jpg" --- # Is this Prior?" "In the flesh." "Why's he bleeding?"… ![“Is this Prior?" "In the flesh." "Why's he bleeding?" "Because he's an idiot." Zeke offers me a black jacket with a factionless symbol stitched into the collar. "I didn't know that idiocy caused people to just start spontaneously bleeding from the nose." I wrap the jacket around Caleb's shoulders…” quote by Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8b/veronica-roth-66_black_is-this-prior-in-the-flesh-why-s-he-blee_1560449.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8b/veronica-roth-66_black_is-this-prior-in-the-flesh-why-s-he-blee_1560449.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8b/veronica-roth-66_black_is-this-prior-in-the-flesh-why-s-he-blee_1560449.jpg) > “Is this Prior?" "In the flesh." "Why's he bleeding?" "Because he's an idiot." Zeke offers me a black jacket with a factionless symbol stitched into the collar. "I didn't know that idiocy caused people to just start spontaneously bleeding from the nose." I wrap the jacket around Caleb's shoulders and fasten one of the buttons over his chest. He avoids my eyes. "I think it's a new phenomenon.", I say.” [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Violence can be absurd and self‑inflicted, revealing deeper social fractures. **In simple terms:** Violence often stems from foolishness. Key Takeaway Question the causes behind senseless aggression. Themes violence social alienation identity Mood dark critical Type literary critical When to use this quote - gang conflicts - school bullying - personal crises - media influence Key Concepts self‑destruction symbolic clothing psychological trauma Questions to Reflect On - Why do people resort to violence over trivial matters? - How does symbolism affect perception of aggression? A Different Perspective Violent acts may be rationalized, obscuring accountability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Black](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/black/) [Bleeding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bleeding/) [Bleeding Idiot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bleeding-idiot-2050251/) [Buttons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buttons/) [Caleb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/caleb/) [Collars](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/collars/) [Eye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eye/) [Flesh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flesh/) [Flesh Bleeding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flesh-bleeding-5852784/) [Idiocy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idiocy/) [Idiot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idiot/) [Idiot Zeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idiot-zeke-1395542/) [Jacket Caleb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jacket-caleb-1395541/) [Jackets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jackets/) [Noses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/noses/) [Offers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/offers/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Phenomenon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/phenomenon/) [Shoulders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shoulders/) [Symbols](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/symbols/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [“Why’s he bleeding?” “Because he’s an idiot.” Zeke offers me a black jacket with a factionless symbol stitched into the collar. “I didn’t know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/why-s-he-bleeding-because-he-s-an-idiot-zeke-offers-me-a-black-jacket/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“Because he’s an idiot.” Zeke offers me a black jacket with a factionless symbol stitched into the collar. “I didn’t know that idiocy caused…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/because-he-s-an-idiot-zeke-offers-me-a-black-jacket-with-a/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [Caleb runs up to me and folds me carefully in his arms. I breathe a sigh of relief. I thought I had gotten to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/caleb-runs-up-to-me-and-folds-me-carefully-in-his-arms-i-breathe-a/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [It's then that I realize: Of course Tris would go into the Weapons Lab instead of Caleb. Of course she would.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/it-s-then-that-i-realize-of-course-tris-would-go-into-the-weapons-lab/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“Let’s just hug already,” he says. Keeping one hand firm on Caleb’s arm, I wrap my free arm around Zeke, and he does the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/let-s-just-hug-already-he-says-keeping-one-hand-firm-on-caleb-s-arm-i/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [Caleb," I say, "I love you." His eyes gleam with tear as he says, "I love you, too, Beatrice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/caleb-i-say-i-love-you-his-eyes-gleam-with-tear-as-he-says-i-love-you/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [When I look at the Abnegation lifestyle as an outsider, I think it’s beautiful. When I watch my family move in harmony; when we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/when-i-look-at-the-abnegation-lifestyle-as-an-outsider-i-think-it-s/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [You want him to walk?" Caleb demands. "Are you insane?" "Did I shoot him in the leg?" I say. "No. He walks. Where do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/you-want-him-to-walk-caleb-demands-are-you-insane-did-i-shoot-him-in/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [To me, when someone wrongs you, you both share the burden of that wrongdoing - the pain of it weighs on both of you.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/to-me-when-someone-wrongs-you-you-both-share-the-burden-of-that/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [At home I used to spend calm, pleasant nights with my family. My mother knit scarves for the neighborhood kids. My father helped Caleb…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/at-home-i-used-to-spend-calm-pleasant-nights-with-my-family-my-mother/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“So you’re her brother?” says Lynn. “I guess we know who got the good genes.” I laugh at the expression on Caleb’s face, his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/so-you-re-her-brother-says-lynn-i-guess-we-know-who-got-the-good/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [Did you ever meet someone named Caleb?" I say. 'Caleb," Fernando says. "Yes, there was a Caleb in my initiate class. Brilliant, but he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/did-you-ever-meet-someone-named-caleb-i-say-caleb-fernando-says-yes/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [Can I ask why you’re throwing knives at cheese?’ ‘Caleb came by to discuss something,’ Tobias says, leaning his head against the wall as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/can-i-ask-why-you-re-throwing-knives-at-cheese-caleb-came-by-to/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [Caleb and Tris exchange a look. The skin on his face and on her knuckles is nearly the same colour, purple-blue-green, as if drawn…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/caleb-and-tris-exchange-a-look-the-skin-on-his-face-and-on-her/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [A chasm reminds us that there is a fine line between bravery and idiocy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/a-chasm-reminds-us-that-there-is-a-fine-line-between-bravery-and/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) ## More by Veronica Roth > [How strange that something so simple could have been instrumental in my decision to ruin one of my most relationships and friendships, and damage…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/how-strange-that-something-so-simple-could-have-been-instrumental-in/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“I was beginning to feel that I had finally found a place to stay, a place that was not so unstable or corrupt or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/i-was-beginning-to-feel-that-i-had-finally-found-a-place-to-stay-a/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“He acts so tough that he’s probably afraid of marshmallows and really bright sunrises or something. Overcompensating.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/he-acts-so-tough-that-he-s-probably-afraid-of-marshmallows-and-really/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [And is it selfish of me to crave victory, or is it brave?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/and-is-it-selfish-of-me-to-crave-victory-or-is-it-brave/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [You always look like someone's sucked the life right out of you when something fascinates you. -Tris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/you-always-look-like-someone-s-sucked-the-life-right-out-of-you-when/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“We can be mended. We mend each other.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/we-can-be-mended-we-mend-each-other/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [Don’t worry about me handling the pain," I say. "I’ve had a lot of practice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/don-t-worry-about-me-handling-the-pain-i-say-i-ve-had-a-lot-of/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [Soon I will honor my parents by dying as they died. and if all they believed about death was true, soon I will join…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/soon-i-will-honor-my-parents-by-dying-as-they-died-and-if-all-they/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“Mas lembre-se, já agora, que por vezes as pessoas que oprimimos tornam-se mais poderosas do que nós gostaríamos.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/mas-lembre-se-j-agora-que-por-vezes-as-pessoas-que-oprimimos-tornam/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“am aware of how little space there is between us—six inches at most. That space feels charged with electricity. I feel like it should…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/am-aware-of-how-little-space-there-is-between-us-six-inches-at-most/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“Oh, good,” I say, a sour taste in my mouth. “Heroism is what I was focused on. Not, you know, trying not to die.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/oh-good-i-say-a-sour-taste-in-my-mouth-heroism-is-what-i-was-focused/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“Caleb frowns at him. "How old are you, anyway?" "Eighteen." "And you don't think you're too old to be with my little sister?" Tobias…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/caleb-frowns-at-him-how-old-are-you-anyway-eighteen-and-you-don-t/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [What do you think they're going to do to us when they find us guilty?" she says after a few minutes of silence have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/what-do-you-think-they-re-going-to-do-to-us-when-they-find-us-guilty/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [“La paz está restringida, eso es libertad”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/la-paz-est-restringida-eso-es-libertad/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) > [In some parts of the ancient world, the hawk symbolized the sun. Back when I got this, I figured if I always had the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/veronica-roth/in-some-parts-of-the-ancient-world-the-hawk-symbolized-the-sun-back/) [Veronica Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) [Explore all 1,589 Veronica Roth quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/veronica-roth/) ## More Black quotes > [I wanted to write about voodoo tradition that I feel has been very important to survival of black people here: people of the African…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesmyn-ward/i-wanted-to-write-about-voodoo-tradition-that-i-feel-has-been-very/) [Jesmyn Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesmyn-ward/) > [When you go to a club it's not about being black or white or heavy or thick. I'm shaking my ass because I want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miley-cyrus/when-you-go-to-a-club-it-s-not-about-being-black-or-white-or-heavy-or/) [Miley Cyrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miley-cyrus/) > [The vision of the left, full of envy and resentment, takes its worst toll on those at the bottom - whether black or white…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-sowell/the-vision-of-the-left-full-of-envy-and-resentment-takes-its-worst/) [Thomas Sowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-sowell/) > [When you're scared - and I mean really scared, not just hearing a noise in the night, or standing toe to toe with someone…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-gordon-smith/when-you-re-scared-and-i-mean-really-scared-not-just-hearing-a-noise/) [Alexander Gordon Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-gordon-smith/) > [The term "black metal" has become a lot looser, or can include a larger range of sounds and extra-musical aesthetics, not just Satan and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colin-marston/the-term-black-metal-has-become-a-lot-looser-or-can-include-a-larger/) [Colin Marston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colin-marston/) > [How can you be more subject; black woman in a white man's world?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maureen-duffy/how-can-you-be-more-subject-black-woman-in-a-white-man-s-world/) [Maureen Duffy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maureen-duffy/) > [We have to build our own power. We have to win every single political office we can, where we have a majority of black…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fannie-lou-hamer/we-have-to-build-our-own-power-we-have-to-win-every-single-political/) [Fannie Lou Hamer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fannie-lou-hamer/) > [There is only one party in the United States, the Property Party...and it has two right wings: Republican and Democrat. Republicans are a bit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gore-vidal/there-is-only-one-party-in-the-united-states-the-property-party-and/) [Gore Vidal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gore-vidal/) > [Black music has always known, and not been afraid to acknowledge just how high the stakes of Black thought are. To summarize the final…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-b-wilderson-iii/black-music-has-always-known-and-not-been-afraid-to-acknowledge-just/) [Frank B. 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I definitely feel like it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-boyega/hollywood-is-so-fixated-on-keeping-it-that-way-because-it-s/) [John Boyega](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-boyega/) > [Nowadays most people wear black most of the time anyway: go to a literary party and one would imagine everyone there was in perpetual…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fay-weldon/nowadays-most-people-wear-black-most-of-the-time-anyway-go-to-a/) [Fay Weldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fay-weldon/) > [There ain't no such thing as black Muslims. That's how they tried to cut off all my brothers in the rest of the world…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/muhammad-ali/there-ain-t-no-such-thing-as-black-muslims-that-s-how-they-tried-to/) [Muhammad Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/muhammad-ali/) > [We do not want to be reminded that it is we, the indigenous people, who are poor and exploited in the land of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-biko/we-do-not-want-to-be-reminded-that-it-is-we-the-indigenous-people-who/) [Steven Biko](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-biko/) [Browse all 11,655 Black quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/black/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Is this Prior?\" \"In the flesh.\" \"Why's he bleeding?\" \"Because he's an idiot.\" Zeke offers me a black jacket with a factionless symbol stitched into the collar. \"I didn't know that idiocy caused people to just start spontaneously bleeding from the nose.\" I wrap the jacket around Caleb's shoulders and fasten one of the buttons over his chest. 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