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Death Quote by William Faulkner

“What sets a man writhing sleepless in bed at night is not having injured his fellow so much as having been wrong; the mere injury he can efface by destroying the victim and the witness but the mistake is his and that is one of his cats which he always prefers to choke to death with butter.” quote by William Faulkner
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““What sets a man writhing sleepless in bed at night is not having injured his fellow so much as having been wrong; the mere injury he can efface by destroying the victim and the witness but the mistake is his and that is one of his cats which he always prefers to choke to death with butter.””

William Faulkner

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Sound and the Fury, 1929

Human suffering stems from personal guilt and self‑destruction rather than external harm.

In simple terms: Guilt drives self‑destructive behavior.

Key Takeaway

Confront inner guilt.

Themes

guilt self‑destruction morality psychology literature

Mood

dark introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • conflict resolution
  • creative writing
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

existentialism psychodynamic theory ethical philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal guilt fuels your actions?
  • How can you transform self‑destructive habits?
A Different Perspective

Self‑destruction may mask deeper issues.

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