Bad news Quote by Walter Scott
““Though somewhat deaf upon ordinary occasions, her ear for bad news was as sharp as a kite’s scent for carrion; for Dorothy, otherwise an industrious, faithful, and even affectionate creature, had that strong appetite for collecting and retailing sinister intelligence which is often to be marked in the lower classes. Little accustomed to be listened to, they love the attention which a tragic tale ensures to the bearer, and enjoy, perhaps, the temporary equality to which misfortune reduces those who are ordinarily accounted their superiors. Dorothy””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Black Dwarf, 1816
Dorothy thrives on gossip, seeking power through scandal, finding fleeting equality among the downtrodden.
In simple terms: She loves gossip for its power and brief equality.
Key Takeaway
Beware using rumors for influence.
Themes
gossip
power
social hierarchy
class
manipulation
Mood
cautious
reflective
critical
Type
literary
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court intrigue
- office politics
- neighborhood disputes
- online forums
Key Concepts
sociology
psychology
class dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What costs arise from spreading rumors?
- How can you gain respect without gossip?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on rumors can backfire and damage trust.
