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A second wife is hateful to the children of the first; A viper is not more hateful.
Euripides
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote expresses the animosity that children may feel towards a stepmother, comparing her to a venomous snake.

Euripides highlights the struggles and tensions that can arise in blended families, particularly the resentment that children may harbor towards a stepmother. The comparison to a viper underscores the intensity of this animosity, suggesting that these feelings can be deeply rooted and difficult to overcome, often complicating familial relationships.

Themes

StepmotherResentmentFamilyChildrenRelationships

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in discussions about blended families and their dynamics.

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I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
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