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My friend, you had horses, and deed of arms, and the free fields; but she, being born in the body of a maid, had a spirit and courage at least the match of yours. Yet she was doomed to wait upon an old man, whom she loved as a father, and watch him falling into a mean dishonoured dotage; and her part seemed to her more ignoble than that of the staff he leaned on. -Gandalf to Eomer, of Eowyn
J. R. R. Tolkien
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote speaks to the theme of courage in the face of societal expectations and personal sacrifices.

In this quote, Gandalf highlights the profound strength and bravery of Éowyn, who, despite her noble lineage and the limitations placed upon her by society as a woman, possesses a spirit and courage equal to that of her male counterparts. Her sacrifices for love and duty are portrayed as noble, raising questions about honor, identity, and the roles assigned by society.

Themes

CourageSacrificeIdentityHonorSociety

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about gender roles in literature.

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What did I tell you, Mr. Pippin?' said Sam, sheathing his sword. 'Wolves won't get him. That was an eye-opener, and no mistake! Nearly singed the hair off my head!
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Under the Mountain dark and tall The King has come unto his hall! His foe is dead, the Worm of Dread, And ever so his foes shall fall. The sword is sharp, the spear is long, The arrow swift, the Gate is strong; The heart is bold that looks on gold; The dwarves no more shall suffer wrong. The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fells like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath the fells. -from The Hobbit (Dwarves Battle Song)
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The chief purpose of life, for any of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks.
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Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
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