Past Tense Quote by Vivian Vande Velde
““Still,” I said, “I am sorry. But I was desperate to rescue my sister.” “I understand,” the sagging dragon assured me. He explained, “I, too, had a sister, once.” The past tense didn't escape me. “What happened to her?” I asked, feeling we were connected, two of a kind after all, sharing similar personal tragedies. “I had to eat her,” the dragon said, “to keep her from stealing my gold.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Dragon's Lament, 2012
A dragon shares a tragic, cannibalistic past, using dark humor to explore loss and the lengths one will go to protect treasure.
In simple terms: The dragon ate his sister to stop her from stealing his gold.
Key Takeaway
Consider the cost of protecting what you value.
Themes
loss
family
greed
protective instincts
Mood
somber
darkly humorous
Type
mythical
narrative
When to use this quote
- fantasy fiction
- character backstory
- moral dilemmas
Key Concepts
mythical creatures
tragic sacrifice
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the dragon’s act say about loyalty?
- Can loss justify extreme measures?
A Different Perspective
The story may glorify harmful actions.
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