“ treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends; they wound those who resort to them worse than their enemies. ”
Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights (1847). copy citation
| Author | Emily Brontë |
|---|---|
| Source | Wuthering Heights |
| Topic | violence wound treachery |
| Date | 1847 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/768/768-h/768-h.htm |
Context
“'«You, and I,» he said, «have each a great debt to settle with the man out yonder! If we were neither of us cowards, we might combine to discharge it. Are you as soft as your brother? Are you willing to endure to the last, and not once attempt a repayment?»
'«I'm weary of enduring now,» I replied; «and I'd be glad of a retaliation that wouldn't recoil on myself; but treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends; they wound those who resort to them worse than their enemies.»
'«Treachery and violence are a just return for treachery and violence!» cried Hindley. «Mrs. Heathcliff, I'll ask you to do nothing; but sit still and be dumb. Tell me now, can you? I'm sure you would have as much pleasure as I in witnessing the conclusion of the fiend's existence; he'll be your death unless you overreach him; and he'll be my ruin.” source
'«I'm weary of enduring now,» I replied; «and I'd be glad of a retaliation that wouldn't recoil on myself; but treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends; they wound those who resort to them worse than their enemies.»
'«Treachery and violence are a just return for treachery and violence!» cried Hindley. «Mrs. Heathcliff, I'll ask you to do nothing; but sit still and be dumb. Tell me now, can you? I'm sure you would have as much pleasure as I in witnessing the conclusion of the fiend's existence; he'll be your death unless you overreach him; and he'll be my ruin.” source
Meaning and analysis
