As readers, we are seldom interested in the fine sentiments of a lesson learnt; we seldom care about the good manners of morals. Repentance puts an end to conversation; forgiveness becomes the stuff of moralistic tracts. Revenge - bloodthirsty, justice-hungry revenge - is the very essence of romance, lying at the heart of much of the best fiction. Alberto Manguel
About This Quote

We like to hear the stories of great deeds, of great men who step out of the pages of history and become heroes. But what do we really want? Do we want to hear about how they conquered their foe, or did they let him go? Do we want to see them die, or do we want them to live on in triumph? The power of storytelling lies in the morals that are presented. If you have a hero who is willing to forgive his opponent, then you have more than just a story. You have a lesson.

This story is not about vengeance or justice, or even about sadness or failure. It’s about redemption.

Source: Dark Arrows: Great Stories Of Revenge

Some Similar Quotes
  1. When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable. - Jess C. Scott
  2. I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because... - Lisa Kleypas
  3. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give you forever - Nicholas Sparks
  4. Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you're wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore. - Lady Gaga
  5. I heard what you said. I’m not the silly romantic you think. I don’t want the heavens or the shooting stars. I don’t want gemstones or gold. I have those things already. I want…a steady hand. A kind soul. I want to fall asleep, and... - Shana Abe
More Quotes By Alberto Manguel
  1. Maybe this is why we read, and why in moments of darkness we return to books: to find words for what we already know.
  2. As readers, we are seldom interested in the fine sentiments of a lesson learnt; we seldom care about the good manners of morals. Repentance puts an end to conversation; forgiveness becomes the stuff of moralistic tracts. Revenge - bloodthirsty, justice-hungry revenge - is the very...
  3. If justice takes place, there may be hope, even in the face of a seemingly capricious divinity.
  4. I like to imagine that, on the day after my last, my library and I will crumble together, so that even when I am no more I'll still be with my books.
  5. Unicorns, dragons, witches may be creatures conjured up in dreams, but on the page their needs, joys, anguishes, and redemptions should be just as true as those of Madame Bovary or Martin Chuzzlewit.
Related Topics