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British empire Quote by Virginia Woolf

“Thus the British Empire came into existence; and thus - for there is no stopping damp; it gets into the inkpot as it gets into the woodwork - sentences swelled, adjectives multiplied, lyrics became epics, and little trifles that had been essays a column long were now encyclopaedias in ten or…” quote by Virginia Woolf
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““Thus the British Empire came into existence; and thus - for there is no stopping damp; it gets into the inkpot as it gets into the woodwork - sentences swelled, adjectives multiplied, lyrics became epics, and little trifles that had been essays a column long were now encyclopaedias in ten or twenty volumes.””

Virginia Woolf

About This Quote

Source Essay: A Room of One’s Own, 1929

The empire’s growth is likened to ink spreading, showing how language expands power.

In simple terms: Words spread power like ink.

Key Takeaway

Mind language’s influence.

Themes

power language expansion

Mood

analytical critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • political discourse
  • media analysis
  • historical study

Key Concepts

imperialism communication culture

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape authority?
  • What responsibilities come with powerful words?
A Different Perspective

Language can be manipulated for control.

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