If I Was Harsh With You, It Was Because I Cannot Bear To See You Treat Yourself As If You Are Worth Nothing. Whatever Part You Might Act To The Contrary, I See You As You Really Are, My Blood Brother. Not Just Better Than You Pretend To Be, But Better Than Most People Could Hope To Be.

-Cassandra Clare

Please Wait....
Translating....

If I Was Harsh

Cassandra Clare

Topic

Brother

Blood

People

More From Cassandra Clare

The Great Thing About Writing For A Younger Audience Is That They Will Give It To You Straight With Their Responses. They'll Tell You Exactly What They Liked And Didn't Like, And When They're Enthusiastic, They're Unashamedly Enthusiastic. They'll Talk To You About Your Characters As If They Were Real People, Which Is Wonderful.

Real

Writing

Character

To Her You're Jocelyn's Daughter. But I'll Always Be Valentine's Son

Daughter

Valentine

Son

Not Your Parabatai Any Longer.

Parabatai

Your Place Is With Me. It Always Will Be. -jem Carstairs

Jem

Jem Carstairs

James Carstairs

You May Be The Only Guy My Age I've Ever Met Who Knows What Bergamot Is, Much Less That It's In Earl Grey Tea." "yes, Well," Jace Said, With A Supercilious Look, "i'm Not Like Other Guys. Besides," He Added, Flipping A Book Off The Shelf, "at The Institute We Have To Take Classes In Basic Medicinal Uses For Plants. It's Required." "i Figured All Your Classes Were Stuff Like Slaughter 101 And Beheading For Beginners." Jace Flipped A Page. "very Funny, Fray.

Book

Class

Guy

Does That Mean You Agree?" He Groaned. "i Think It Means You Crushed My Spirit And Beat Me Down." "fantastic.

Mean

Thinking

Doe

The Angel Brought You Back." "because You Asked Him To. You Could Have Anything Alse In The World, And You Asked For Me." "but I Dont Want Anything Else In The World. I Love You. I Would Do It Again. I Would Ask For You.

Love You

Angel

World

Oh, I Can Never Get Enough," He Said. "which, Incidentally, Is What Your Sister Said To Me When - " The Carriage Door Flew Open. A Hand Shot Out, Grabbed Will By The Back Of The Shirt, And Hauled Him Inside. The Door Banged Shut After Him, And Thomas, Sitting Bolt Upright, Seized Reins Of The Horses. A Moment Later The Carriage Had Lurched Forth Into The Night, Leaving Gabriel Staring, Infuriated, After It.

Horse

Night

Doors

Don't Touch Any Of My Weapons Without My Permission." "well, There Goes My Plan For Selling Them All On Ebay," Clary Muttered. "selling Them On What?" Clary Smiled Blandly At Him. "a Mythical Place Of Great Magical Power.

Ebay

Weapons

Selling

Creating Characters Is Like Throwing Together Ingredients For A Recipe. I Take Characteristics I Like And Dislike In Real People I Know, Or Know Of, And Use Them To Embellish And Define Characters.

Real

Writing

Character

Demonic Activity Levels? Do They Have A Device That Measures Whether The Demons Inside The House Are Doing Power Yoga?

Yoga

House

Levels

I Think Of Myself As A Freewheeling Bisexual," Added Magnus. "please Never Say Those Words In Front Of My Parents," Said Alec.

Bisexual

Thinking

Parent

Lips. There Was Something Strangely, Delicately Indelicate About The Word, Like A Kiss Itself.

Kissing

Lips

She Looked Up From Closing It To Find Jace Watching Her Through Hooded Eyes. “and One Last Thing,” He Said. He Reached Over And Pulled The Sparking Pins Out Of Her Hair, So That It Fell In Warm Heavy Curls Down Her Neck. The Sensation Of Hair Tickling Her Bare Skin Was Unfamiliar And Oddly Pleasant. “much Better,” He Said, And She Thought This Time That Maybe His Voice Was Uneven Too.

Eye

Hair

Voice

I Would Think That Counted As Offering Resistance," Will Said. "eating One's Son-in-law, That Is. Though I Suppose Everyone Has Their Family Altercations.

Son

Thinking

Law

He Made A Sound Of Frustation, Caught At Her Hand, Brought It To His Chest, And Pressed It Flat Over His Heart. The Steady Beat Hammered Against Her Palm. "every Heart Has Its Own Melody," He Said. "you Know Mine.

Heart

Hands

Sound

I Want To Kiss You One More Time Before I Die.

Kissing

Want

More Time

I Need Someone Who Can Keep Up With Me, Not Some Sickly Creature That Looks As If He’s Doddering Off To The Grave.

Needs

Looks

Graves

And You Don't Care That I'm Your Brother," He Said. "i Know How You Felt About Jace, Even When You Thought He Was Your Brother. You Can't Lie To Me." "jace Is Better Than You." "no One's Better Than Me.

Brother

Lying

Care

Sometimes When She Looks At Him That Way He Finds Himself Almost Blushing; A Feeling So Strange He Almost Doesn’t Recognize It. Jace Wayland Doesn’t Blush.

Feelings

Looks

Way

Consider It A Race To See Who Kills You First, Daylighter-valentine, The Other Downworlders, Or The Clave.

Valentine

Race

Firsts

Humans Were So Stupid. They Had Something So Precious, And They Barely Safeguarded It At All. They Threw Away Their Lives For Money, For Packets Of Powder, For A Stranger's Charming Smile.

Stupid

Charming Smile

Stranger

It Can Be... Difficult To To Learn How The World Truly Is, To See It In Its True Shape And Form... Most Human Beings Never Do. Most Could Not Bear It.

World

Shapes

Bears

His Hands Slipped From His Throat, And He Crashed To The Ground Like A Tree Falling. "oh, Dear," Said Pangborn, Gazing At The Fallen Body Of His Comrade With Fastidious Distaste. "how Unpleasant.

Fall

Hands

Tree

Yes, She's Bleeding To Death Upstairs, But I Thought I'd Avoid Telling You Right Away, Because I Like To Draw The Suspense Out.

Suspense

Bleeding

Upstairs

At Last, The Wheel Comes Full Circle

Saying Goodbye

Circles

Full Circle

Time Was Like The Rain, Glittering As It Fell, Changing The World, But Something That Could Also Be Taken For Granted. Until You Love A Mortal. Then Time Became Gold In A Miser's Hands, Every Bright Year Counted Out Carefully, Infinitely Precious, And Each One Slipping Through You Fingers. Cassandra Clare: What Really Happened In Peru

Rain

Taken

Hands

He Caught Her As If He Were Used To Catching Fainting Girls, As If He Did It Everyday.

Girl

Everyday

Used

Kissing Simon Was Pleasant. It Was A Gentle Sort Of Pleasant, Like Lying In A Hammock On A Summer Day With A Book And A Glass Of Lemonade

Summer

Lying

Book

You On Your Way Out?" Jace Nodded. "dont Want To Overstay Our Welcome." "what Welcome?" Magnus Asked. "i'd Say Is Was A Pleasure To Meet You, But It Wasn't. Not That You Aren't All Fairly Charming, And As For You-" He Dropped A Glittery Wink At Alec, Who Looked Astounded. "call Me?" -magnus & Jace, Pg.243-

Want

Way

Welcome

The Young Man Who Appeared At The Mouth Of The Alley Was Pale In The Lamplight—paler Even Than He Usually Was, Which Was Quite Pale Indeed.

Men

Mouths

Pale

You're Just Worried They'll Hire A Male Instructor And He'll Be Hotter Than You." Jace's Eyebrows Went Up. "hotter Than Me?" "it Could Happen," Clary Said, "you Know, Theoretically." "theoretically The Planet Could Suddenly Crack In Half, Leaving Me On One Side And You On The Other, Forever And Tragically Parted, But I'm Not Worried About That Either. Some Things," Jace Said, With His Customary Crooked Smile, "are Just Too Unlikely To Dwell Upon.

Eyebrows

Forever

Leaving

Would You Like To Meet Him? I Could Summon Him Up In A Trice Of You Like. Being A Warlock, And All.

Warlocks

Tessa Gray

Wear That Scarf," He Said, Pointing To A Blue Cashmere Scarf Hanging On A Peg. "it Matches Your Eyes." Alec Looked At It. Suddenly He Was Filled With Hate - For The Scarf, For Magnus, And Most Of All For Himself. "don't Tell Me," He Said. "the Scarf's A Hundred Years Old, And It Was Given To You By Queen Victoria Right Before She Died, For Special Services To The Crown Or Something." Magnus Sat Up. "what's Gotten Into You?" Alec Stared At Him. "am I The Newest Thing In This Apartment?" "i Think That Honor Goes To Chairman Meow. He's Only Two." "i Said Newest, Not Youngest," Alec Snapped.

Queens

Hate

Eye

And The Clave Wants To Meet Clarissa. You Know That, Jace." "the Clave Can Screw Itself." "jace," Maryse Said, Sounding Genuinely Parental For A Change. "language." "the Clave Wants A Lot Of Things," Jace Amended. "it Shouldn't Necessarily Get Them All.

Want

Language

Jace

Don’t Take This The Wrong Way, But You Smell Like Magnus.

Smell

Way

Humour

Vampires Bore A Grudge Longer Than Any Technically Living Creatures, And Whenever They Were In A Bad Temper, They Expressed Themselves Through Murder.

Vampire

Murder

Grudge

Do Reasons Matter When There's Nothing That Can Be Done To Change Things.

Done

Matter

Reason

Endless Hope, Endless Disappointment.

Disappointment

Endless

I Can't Believe He Didn't Have The Dignity And Presence Of Mind Just To Get Drunk And Pass Out In Some Gutter," Said Jace. "i Must Say, I'm Disappointed In The Little Fellow.

Believe

Presence Of Mind

Drunk

I Can't Get Enough Adventure," Magnus Said Lightly. "and Adventure Cannot Get Enough Of Me.

Adventure

Enough

Said

"well, At Least You Know It Works This Time," She Said, Getting On Behind Him. "if We Crash Into The Parking Lot Of A Key Food, I'll Kill You, You Know That?" "don't Be Ridiculous," Said Jace. "there Are No Parking Lots On The Upper East Side. Why Drive When You Can Get Your Groceries Delivered?"

Keys

Upper East Side

Sides

With His Customary Crooked Smile, “are Just Too Unlikely To Dwell Upon.

Fallen Angels

Unlikely

Crooked Smiles

I Am A Badass, And I Recognize That You, Too, Are A Badass.

Badass

Bones

Simon Lewis

We Came To See Jace. Is He Alright?" "i Don't Know," Magnus Said. "does He Normally Just Lie On The Floor Like That Without Moving?

Lying

Moving

Doe

But Magnus, He Thought. You Never Told Me. Never Warned Me It Would Be Like This, That I Would Wake Up One Day And Realize That I Was Going Somewhere You Couldn't Follow. That We Are Essentially Not The Same. There's No "till Death Do Us Apart" For Those Who Never Die.

One Day

Would Be

Wake Up

Well That's Convenient, I Guess Blessings Are Easier To Come By Than I Thought. Maybe I Should Ask For Blessings On My Mission Against All Those Who Wear White After Labor Day

Blessing

White

Labor Day

Can I Touch Your Mango?

They Confused Beauty With Innocence And Harmlessness.

Confused

Innocence

Harmlessness

He Tried To Learn Seductive Phrases In All Languages, But The Only Swedish He Had Ever Really Needed Was, "do You Serve Anything Aside From Pickled Fish?" And "if You Wrap Me In Furs, I Can Pretend To Be Your Little Fuzzy Bear.

Seductive

Fur

Phrases

That The Wall Is Coming Down.

Wall

They Think They're Better Than Everyone Else." "no," Said Jace. "i Think I'm Better Than Everyone Else. An Opinion That Has Been Backed Up With Ample Evidence." Kyle Looked At Simon. "does He Always Talk Like This?" "yes.

Thinking

Doe

Opinion

I Was Looking For Simon." Jordan Squinted At Her. "it's Two In The Morning." She Shrugged. "he's A Vampire." "but I'm Not.

Morning

Two

Vampire

With Tears Running Down Her Face, Cecily Had Reminded Him Of The Moment At Her Wedding To Gabriel When He Had Delivered A Beautiful Speech Praising The Groom, At The End Of Which He Had Announced, “dear God, I Thought She Was Marrying Gideon. I Take It All Back.

Beautiful

Running

Tears

But You Hate Poetry! Yes, But You Make Me Want To Write It.

Hate

Writing

Want

My Blood In His Veins." ~jace

Blood

Veins

They Say Time Heals All Wounds, But That Presumes The Source Of The Grief Is Finite

Sad

Time

Get Well

God Knows We’re All Drawn To What’s Beautiful And Broken.

Beautiful

Broken

God Knows

He Played Of Love And Loss And Years Of Silence, Words Unsaid And Vows Unspoken, And All The Spaces Between His Heart And Theirs; And When He Was Done, And He'd Set The Violin Back In Its Box, Will's Eyes Were Closed, But Tessa's Were Full Of Tears.

Heart

Eye

Loss

Did You Just Kiss Me?" Will Inquired. Magnus Made A Slip-second Decision. "no." "i Thought-" "on Occasion The Aftereffects Of The Painkilling Spells Can Result In Hallucinations Of The Most Bizarre Sort." "oh," Will Said. "how Peculiar.

Kissing

Decision

Kiss Me

Doubtless The Lunatic Asylums Of The World Are Filled With Unfortunate Women Who Have Failed To See My Charms.

Lunatic Asylums

World

Charm

The Horse Grunted Softly. He Had Huge Teeth, Clary Noticed Uneasily; Each One The Size Of A Pez Dispenser. She Imagined Those Teeth Sinking Into Her Leg And Thought Of All The Girls She'd Known In Middle School Who'd Wanted Ponies Of Their Own. She Wondered If They Were Insane.

Girl

Horse

School

Sarcasm Is The Last Refuge Of The Imaginatively Bankrupt.

Sarcasm

Lasts

Jace

He Was Standing Leaning Against The Door Frame; Now He Stood Up Straight. "how Should I Have Kissed You? Is There An Other Way You Like It?

Doors

Way

You Like It

Take Off Your Shirt." Jace Raised His Eyebrows. "i'm Not Going To Attack You," She Said Impatiently. "i Can Take The Sight Of Your Naked Chest Without Swooning." "are You Sure?" He Asked, Obediently Sliding The Shirt Off His Shoulders. "because Viewing My Naked Chest Has Caused Many Women To Seriously Injure Themselves Stampeding To Get To Me.

Sight

Eyebrows

Swooning

House Rules [at The Praetor Lupus Headquarters] No Shape-shifting In The Hallways. No Howling. No Silver. Clothing Must Be Worn At All Times. All Times. No Fighting. No Biting. Mark All Your Food Before You Put It In The Communal Refrigerator.

Fighting

House

Shapes

Look Well On This, My Son," Said The Green-skinned Man, "for One Day I Shall Rule A Clockwork Kingdom Of Such Beings, And You Shall Be Its Prince.

Son

Men

One Day

Is There A Particular Reason You Keep Biting Vampires?" Will Touched The Dried Blood On His Wrists, And Smiled. "they Don't Expect It." "of Course They Don't. They Know What Happens When One Of Us Consumes Vampire Blood. They Probably Expect You To Have More Sense." "that Expectation Never Seems To Serve Them Very Well, Does It?

Blood

Expectations

Vampire

I Hate That Stuff. It Tastes Like Feet." At That He Smiled. "how Would You Know What Feet Taste Like?" "i Just Know.

Hate

Feet

Stuff

He Is Bound To You,” Said The Queen. “but Does He Love You?

Queens

Love You

Doe

What Don't Kill Me... Had Better Start Running!

Fitness

Running

Kill Me

I Am Not Going To Live, And I Can Choose To Be As Much For Her As I Can Be, To Burn As Brightly For Her As I Wish, And For A Shorter Time, Than To Burden Her With Someone Only Half-alive For A Longer Time. I Is My Choice, William, And You Cannot Make It For Me.

Princess

Choices

Wish

Not Everyone Wants You All The Time, Jace," He Said. "don't Be Ridiculous.

Want

Ridiculous

Jace

She Is Fine. She Hates Us Both But It Really Didn't Sound Like Anything Else Was Wrong

Hate

Sound

Fine

Come Back To Me, Tessa. Henry Said That Perhaps, Since You Had Touched The Soul Of An Angel, That You Dream Of Heaven Now, Of Fields Of Angels And Flowers Of Fire. Perhaps You Are Happy In Those Dreams. But I Ask This Out Of Pure Selfishness. Come Back To Me. For I Cannot Bear To Lose All My Heart.

Dream

Flower

Heart

You May Be Right. I Think It Was Round About Christmas When I Got My Welsh Dragon Tattoo.” At That, Tessa Had To Try Very Hard Not To Blush. “how Did That Happen?” Will Made An Airy Gesture With His Hand. “i Was Drunk…” “nonsense. You Were Never Really Drunk.” “on The Contrary—in Order To Learn How To Pretend To Be Inebriated, Once Must Become Inebriated At Least Once, As A Reference Point. Six-fingered Nigel Had Been At The Mulled Cider—“ “you Can’t Mean There’s Truly A Six-fingered Nigel?

Tattoo

Mean

Thinking

Magnus Stood Up And Went To The Window. He Pushed The Curtain Back, Letting In Just Enough Light To Silhouette His Hawklike Profile. "blood," He Said, Half To Himself. "i Had A Dream Two Nights Ago. I Saw A City All Of Blood, With Towers Made Of Bone, And Blood Ran In The Streets Like Water." Simon Slewed His Eyes Over To Jace. "is Standing By The Window Muttering About Blood Something He Does All The Time?" "no," Said Jace, "sometimes He Sits On The Couch And Does It.

Dream

Eye

Night

Life Is A Book And There Are A Thousand Pages I Have Not Yet Read.

Book

Pages

Life Is

I Told You He'd Freak Out, She Siad. Didn't I? Ah, The I Told You So, Jace Said. Always A Classy Move

Moving

Freak

Jace

Does Anyone Know Why Will Left?" Charlotte Demanded, Standing At The Head Of A Long Table Around Which The Rest Of Them Were Seated. Cecily, Her Hands Folded Demurely Before Her, Suddenly Became Very Interested In The Pattern Of The Carpet.

Hands

Long

Doe

Simon: So Were You Following Me? Or Is It Just An Amazing Coincidence That You Happened To Be On The Roof Of A Building I Was Walking By When I Got Attacked? Jace: I Was Following You. Simon: Is This The Part Where You Tell Me You're Secretly In Love With Me?

Coincidence

Building

Jace

[magnus] Was Wearing Canary-yellow Pajamas, And On His Feet Were Green Slippers With Alien Faces, Complete With Sproingy Atennae.

Yellow

Feet

Slippers

You Have To Give Everyone Ugly Motives For Everything They Do, Because Ugly Motives Are All You Understand.

Giving

Ugly

Motive

I Think I Gave Alec A Complex About What Kind Of Fighter He Was, Just Because He Wanted To Live.

Thinking

Fighter

Kind

And Indeed It Was, The Arrow Still Protruding From Its Wet, Grayish Skin, Humping Its Body Along With Incredible Speed. A Flick Of Its Tail Caught The Edge Of A Statue, Sending It Flying Into The Dry Ornamental Pool, Where It Shattered Into Dust. “by The Angel, It Just Crushed Sophocles,” Noted Will. “has No One Respect For The Classics These Days?

Angel

Dust

Arrows

Jace Likes To Pretend That Everyone Isn’t Talking About Him, Even When He Knows They Are.

Talking

Likes

Jace

And We Believe In His Promises. Therefore You Can Never Lose Hope - Hatikva - Because If You Keep Hope Alive, It Will Keep You Alive.

Believe

Promise

Alive

Under His Dripping Hair, He Was As White As Parchment, His Hands Clenched At His Sides So Tightly That They Were Shaking. It Seemed Clear That Some Terrible Turmoil Was Ripping Him Apart From The Inside Out.

Hair

Hands

White

Wanderlust Is Not Unheard Of In Our Kind; It Comes Upon Us Now And Then. When You Can Live Forever, Staying In One Place Can Come To Seem A Dull Prison After Many, Many Years.

Years

Forever

Dull

There Were Some Feelings You Never Forgot.

Feelings

You’re Not The Only One Who Calls Them That; The Other Downworlders Do The Same,” Said Will. “i Discovered That Fact While Investigating The Symbol. I Must Have Carried That Knife Through A Hundred Downworld Haunts, Searching For Someone Who Might Recognize It. I Offered A Reward For Information. Eventually The Name Of The Dark Sisters Came To My Ears.” “downworld?” Tessa Echoed, Puzzled. “is That A Place In London?” “never Mind That,” Said Will. “i’m Boasting Of My Investigative Skills, And I Would Prefer To Do It Without Interruption. Where Was I?

Dark

Knives

Skills

Some Secrets, She Thought, Were Better Told; Some Were Better Left The Burden Of The Carrier, That They Might Not Cause Pain To Others.

Pain

Secret

Might

Mundane Humans Create Distinctions Between Themselves, Distinctions That Seem Ridiculous To Any Shadowhunter. Their Distinctions Are Based On Race, Religion, National Identity, Any Of A Dozen Minor And Irrelevant Markers. ~ Valentine

Valentine

Race

Identity

No Real Lady Would Let A Dress That Might Have Been Worn By A Stranger Touch Her Skin.

Real

Skins

Dresses

Who Am I?” He Whispered. “for Years I Pretended I Was Other Than I Was, And Then I Gloried That I Might Return To The Truth Of Myself, Only To Find There Is No Truth To Return To. I Was An Ordinary Child, And Then I Was A Not Very Good Man, And Now I Do Not Know How To Be Either Of Those Things Any Longer. I Do Not Know What I Am, And When Jem Is Gone, There Will Be No One To Show Me.

Children

Men

Years

Pointless, Needless Suffering And Pain? I Don’t Suppose It Would Help If I Told You That Was The Way Life Is. The Good Suffer, The Evil Flourish, And All That Is Mortal Passes Away.

Pain

Evil

Suffering

Tessa Looked Quickly To Will, But He Only Crossed The Room As He Always Did To Lean Against The Fireplace Mantel. Cecily Had Never Been Able To Decide If He Did This Because He Was Perpetually Cold Or Because He Thought He Looked Dasing Standing Before The Leaping Flames.

Flames

Able

Rooms

My Name Is Sabastian. I Had A Father, But He Is Dead. I Had A Mother, But She Is Dead To Me. I Have A Brother, And I Will Bind Him To Me. I Have A Sister, And I Will Teach Her To Love Me. My Name Is Sabastain, And I Am Going To Burn Down The World

Mother

Brother

Father

Most People Don't Cry When They're Upset Or Frightened, But Rather When They're Frustrated. Your Frustration Is Understandable. You've Been Through A Most Trying Time." -hodge

Frustration

People

Upset

Isabelle Looked At Him Thoughtfully. "did You Seriously Jump Thirty Feet Out Of A Malachi Configuration? Did He, Alec?" "he Did," Alec Confirmed. "i've Never Seen Anything Like It." "i've Never Seen Anything Like This." Jace Lifted A Ten-inch Dagger From The Floor. One Of Isabelle's Pink Brassiers Was Spread On The Wickedly Sharp Tip. Isabelle Snached It Off, Scowling.

Feet

Daggers

Jace

Alec Watched Them Through The Half-open Door, Jace Leaned Against The Sink As His Adoptive Sister Sponged His Wrists And Wrapped Them In A White Gauze. “okay, Now Take Off Your Shirt.” (isabelle) “i Knew There Was Something In This For You.” (jace) ~pg. 329~

Doors

White

Half

Someday," Magnus Said, Looking At The Crumpled Royal Person At His Feet, "i Must Write My Memoirs.

Writing

Feet

Royal

We Were Once Getting Married. And I Have Loved You All This Time- A Century And A Half. -jem

Half

Married

Century

To Draw Something Is To Try To Capture It Forever.

Forever

Trying

Capture

Jem Told Me What Ragnor Fell Said About My Father,” Will Said. “that For My Father, There Was Only Ever One Woman He Loved, And It Was Her For Him, Or Nothing. You Are That For Me. I Love You, And I Will Only Ever Love You Until I Die —

Father

Love You

Said

White For Shadowhunters Is The Color Of Funerals," Luke Explained. “ But For Mundanes, Jace, It’ S The Color Of Weddings. Brides Wear White To Symbolize Their Purity.” “i Thought Jocelyn Said Her Dress Wasn’t White,” Simon Said. “well,” Said Jace, “i Suppose That Ship Has Sailed.” Luke Choked On His Coffee.

Coffee

Color

White

All Right. Are You Going To Come Back? Do You Want Any Soup?" "no," Said Jace. "do You Think Hodge Will Want Any Soup?" "no One Wants Any Soup." "i Want Some Soup," Simon Said. "no, You Don't," Said Jace. "you Just Want To Sleep With Isabelle." Simon Was Appalled. "that Is Not True." "how Flattering," Isabelle Murmured Into The Soup, But She Was Smirking. "oh, Yes It Is," Said Jace. "go Ahead And Ask Her—then She Can Turn You Down And The Rest Of Us Can Get On With Our Lives While You Fester In Miserable Humiliation." He Snapped His Fingers. "hurry Up, Mundie Boy, We've Got Work To Do.

Sleep

Boys

Thinking

I’d Rather Have You In My Life Even As A Brother Than Not At All—

Brother

When You Told Me The First Time That Valentine Was Your Father, I Didn't Believe It. Not Just Because I Didn't Want It To Be True, But Because You Weren't Anything Like Him. I've Never Thought You're Anything Like Him. But You Are. You Are.

Father

Believe

Valentine

Do You Want To Go Back To Vienna?” He Said. Alec Didn’t Answer, Just Stared Into Space. “or We Could Go Somewhere Else,” Said Magnus. “anywhere You Want. Thailand, South Carolina, Brazil, Peru – Oh, Wait, No, I’m Banned From Peru. I’d Forgotten About That. It’s A Long Story, But Amusing If You Want To Hear It.

Somewhere Else

Space

Long

Dear Alec And Magnus, How Are You? Everything's Just Fine Here. Thanks For You Postcard With The Picture Of The Taj Mahal. It Looks Nice. Disregard My Last Few Postcards. I See I Overdid It. To Make It Up To You, I'm Going To Redecorate Magnus's Loft For Free. -izzy

Nice

Taj Mahal

Looks

I Really Love Fantasy. I Have To Say It Is My Favourite Genre To Read And One Of The Genres I Love The Most To Write.

Writing

Fantasy

Favourite

Her Throat Ached: Adoration, Heartbreak, In Equal Measure. “kiss Me,” She Said. “please.

Princess

Kissing

Kiss Me

I Was Joking With Isabelle About Vampires Right Before It Happened. Just Trying To Make Her Laugh, You Know? What Freaks Out Jewish Vanpires? Silver Stars Of David? Chopped Liver? Check For Eighteen Dollars?

Stars

Laughing

Trying

I Didn't Get This Dressed Up To Watch You Mess Around In The Gutter With A Bunch Of Motorcycles." "they Are Pretty To Look At," Said Jace. "you Have To Admit That." "so Am I," Said Isabelle.

Motorcycle

Watches

Gutters

I Have Mastered Many Things In My Life. Navigating The Streets Of London, Speaking French Without An Accent, Dancing The Quadrille, The Japanese Art Of Flower Arranging, Lying At Charades, Concealing A Highly Intoxicated State, Delighting Young Women With My Charms..." Tessa Stared. "alas," He Went On, "no One Has Ever Actually Referred To Me As 'the Master,' Or 'the Magister,' Either. More's The Pity.

Art

Lying

Flower

Does She Still Love You?" "i Don't Think So," Magnus Said Dryly. "she Wasn't Very Pleasant The Last Time I Saw Her. Of Course, That Could Be Because I've Got An Eighteen Year-old Boyfriend With A Stamina Rune And She Doesn't." Alec Sputtered. "as The Person Being Objectified, I ... Object To That Description Of Me.

Love You

Thinking

Years

I Will Find You," Ragnor Told Him. "i Will Find Whatever Chest Of Absurd Clothes You Have. And I Will Bring A Llama Into The Place Where You Sleep And Make Sure That It Urinates On Everything You Possess.

Sleep

Clothes

Llamas

To Lose An Arm Or A Leg Would Be Painful, But To Lose The Central Truth Of Your Life Felt—fatal.

Would Be

Legs

Arms

Please Don’t Do This—don’t Do This To Me. If Anything Happened To You—” He Looked At Her With Surprise. There Was Already A Red Stain On The White Bandages That Wrapped His Chest, Where His Movements Had Pulled His Wound Open. “i…” “what?” “i’m Not Used To You Loving Me,” He Said.

White

Movement

Red

You Called Me And Said You Were Home And Wanted To Go Out For A Pizza." "i Did? What Time Is It?" "time For Pizza," [catarina] Replied.

Home

Said

Wanted

If There Was An Arrow Speeding Toward Will, I Would Be Bound By Oath To Step In Front Of It.' 'handy, That,' Said Will.

Arrows

Would Be

Steps

Will Sat Where He Was, Gazing At The Silver Bowl In Front Of Him; A White Rose Was Floating In It, And He Seemed Prepared To Stare At It Until It Went Under. In The Kitchen Bridget Was Still Singing One Of Her Awful Sad Songs; The Lyrics Drifted In Through The Door: "twas On An Evening Fair I Went To Take The Air, I Heard A Maid Making Her Moan; Said, 'saw Ye My Father? Or Ye My Mother? Or Saw Ye My Brother John? Or Saw Ye The Lad That I Love Best, And His Name It Is Sweet William?" I May Murder Her, Tessa Thought. Let Her Make A Song About That.

Mother

Sweet

Song

No, You Don’t Need To Help Me. But If You Don’t, There’s Nothing Stopping Me From Calling You Up Again And Again, Now That I Know You Can’t Kill Me. Think Of It As Me Leaning Against Your Heavenly Doorbell… Forever.

Thinking

Forever

Needs

Clary Made Fun Of Him About His New Look; But, Then, Clary Found Everything About Simon's Love Life Borderline Hilarious.

Fun

Love Life

Looks

Is Everyone Looking For Me?" She Shook Her Head, Pulling The Robe Closer. Suddenly She Wanted To Be Covered Up In Front Of Him, In Front Of All That Familiarity And Beauty And That Lovely Predatory Smile That Said He Was Willing To Do Whatever With Her, To Her, No Matter Who Was Waiting In The Hall. “ I Was Hoping They„d Put Up Flyers Like They Do For Lost Cats",he Said. “missing, One Stunningly Attractive Teenage Boy. Answers To „jace,‟ Or „hot Stuff.‟” “ You Did Not Just Say That.

Teenage

Cat

Boys

Magnus's Eyes Gleamed. "he Seems To Like You. I Saw Him Going For Your Hand Out There Like A Squirrel Diving For A Peanut.

Eye

Squirrels

Hands

I Have Come To Understand Something About Novels," Tessa Said. "and What Is That?" "they Are Not True.

Said

Novel

Tessa Was Only Half Way Down The Corridor When They Caught Up To Her -will And Jem, Walking On Either Side Of Her. "you Didn't Really Think We Weren't Going To Come Along, Did You?" Will Asked, Raising His Hand And Letting His Witchlight Fare Up Between His Fingers, Lighting The Corridor To Daylight Brightness. Charlotte, Hurrying Along Ahead Of Them, Turned And Frowned, But Said Nothing. "i Know You Can't Leave Anything Well Alone," Tessa Replied, Looking Straight Ahead. "but I Though Better Of Jem." "where Will Goes, I Go," Jem Said Good-naturedly. "and Besides, I'm As Curious As He Is.

Thinking

Hands

Half

Hello, Hello.” Magnus Swept Toward Them..."alec, My Darling, Clary. And Rat-boy." He Swept A Bow Toward Simon, Who Looked Annoyed. "to What Do I Owe The Pleasure?" "we Came To See Jace," Clary Said. "is He All Right?" "i Don’t Know," Magnus Said. "does He Normally Just Lie On The Floor Like That Without Moving?" "what –," Alec Began, And Broke Off As Magnus Laughed. "that’s Not Funny." "you’re So Easy To Tease. And Yes, Your Friend Is Just Fine. Well, Except That He Keeps Putting All My Things Away And Trying To Clean Up. Now I Can’t Find Anything. He’s Compulsive.

Lying

Moving

Boys

You Swore To Stay With Me,” He Said. “when We Made Our Oath, As Parabatai. Our Souls Are Knit. We Are One Person, James.” “we Are Two People,” Said Jem. “two People With A Covenant Between Us.” Will Knew He Sounded Like A Child, But He Could Not Help It. “a Covenant That Says You Must Not Go Where I Cannot Come With You.” “until Death,” Jem Replied Gently. “those Are The Words Of The Oath. ‘until Aught But Death Part Thee And Me.’ Someday, Will, I Will Go Where None Can Follow Me, And I Think It Will Be Sooner Rather Than Later.

Children

Thinking

Two

For The First Time Valentine Glanced Down At The Body Of Brother Jeremiah. "i Did Kill Him, And The Rest Of The Silent Brothers As Well. I Had To. They Had Something I Needed." "what? A Sense Of Decency?

Brother

Valentine

Body

I Thought... That We Could At Least Talk About Books.

Book

If Love Is Great, Then It Is Worth Fighting For.” “what If It Is Immoral Somehow? Forbidden?” “forbidden? But My Father’s Love For My Mother Was Forbidden, Or At Least Against The Law. Or Do Mean If She Is Married, Or A Vampire?” “or A Married Vampire.” “well, Nevertheless,” Will Said, With A Grin. “one Should Fight On. Love Conquers All.” Will And Jem

Mother

Father

Mean

Hiding Here, Are You? That’s Awkward.” “why?” “because I Had Intended To Hide Here Myself.” “you May Hide Here With Me, If You Wish.

Awkward

Wish

May

It Isn't Against The Law To Be An Idiot.

Law

Lawyer

Idiot

Then Forget Gabriel. Is There A Particular Reason You Keep Biting Vampires?" Will Touched The Dried Blood On His Wrists, And Smiled. "they Don't Expect It.

Blood

Vampire

Gabriel

She Smiled Smugly. “we Came To An Agreement, The Duck And I.

Agreement

Ducks

Were You Thinking About Eating Me?

Thinking

Eating

Is There Some Particular Reason That You're Here?" ... "not This Again." "not What Again?" Said Clary. "every Time I Annoy Him, He Retreats Into His No Mundanes Allowed Tree House." Simon Pointed At Jace.

House

Tree

Retreat

I Keep In Touch With My Fans By Keeping A Blog Online And I Try To Answer Questions Every Day. I Also Have A Twitter And A Facebook. I Think That Social Networking Gives Authors A Unique Insight In The Minds Of Their Fans And For Me That Is Very Valuable.

Unique

Thinking

Giving

Tea. I Find That Both Settles The Stomach And Concentrates The Mind. Wonderful Drink, Tea.

Tea

Mind

Wonderful

Declarations Of Love Amuse Me. Especially When Unrequited.

Love

Jace

Unrequited

Words Were Weapons, His Father Had Taught Him That, And He'd Wanted To Hurt Clary More Than He'd Ever Wanted To Hurt Any Girl. In Fact, He Wasn't Sure He Had Ever Wanted To Hurt A Girl Before. Usually He Just Wanted Them, And Then He Wanted Them To Leave Him Alone.

Relationship

Girl

Hurt

Why Can't I Go To Idris With You, Then? Because It's Not Safe For You There O And It's Safe For Me Here? I've Been Nearly Killed Almost A Dozen Times In The Past Month. That's Because Valentine Has Been Concentrating On The Two Mortal Instruments That Were Here. He's Going To Shift His Focus To Idris Now. We All Know It-- We're Hardly As Certain Of Anything As All That. And The Clave Wants To Meet Clarissa. You Know That, Jace. The Clave Can Screw Itself.

Valentine

Past

Two

Bloodthirsty Little Beasts. Never Trust A Duck.- William Herondale

Ducks

Littles

Never Trust

You Behave As If Everything Is Funny To You, But You Never Laugh. Sometimes You Smile When You Think No One Is Paying Attention.

Thinking

Laughing

Attention

I Want It To Stop," He Said. "sophie Says Everyone Is Still Searching For A Cure For Me. I Know I Gave Will My Permission, But I Want Everyone To Cease Looking Now, Charlotte. It Is Over.

Sophie

Want

Permission

All The Stories Are True

Stories

I'd Always Hoped That When I Said 'i Love You' To A Girl, She'd Say 'i Know' Like Leia Did To Han In Return Of The Jedi

Love

Girl

Return

Clary Closed Her Eyes. Remembering The Way Jace Had Looked At Her The Night She'd Freed Ithuriel, She Couldn't Help But Imagine The Way He'd Look At Her Now If He Saw Her Trying To Lie Down To Die On The Sand Beside Him. He Wouldn't Be Touched, Wouldn't Think It Was A Beautiful Gesture. He'd Be Angry At Her For Giving Up. He'd Be So--disappointed.

Beautiful

Giving Up

Lying

Beauty Fades, But Cooking Is Eternal.

Cooking

Beauty Fades

Incomparable

He Looked At Her Levelly. There Was Something In His Eyes, A Sort Of Quizzical Admiration; She Wondered If It Was Simply Admiration Of Jessamine’s Looks. “no,” He Said. “no, Even Though You Are The Perfect Picture Of Jessamine, I Can See Tessa Through It Somehow As If, If I Were To Scrape Away A Layer Of Paint, There Would Be My Tessa Underneath.” “i Am Not Your Tessa Either.” The Light Sparkling In His Eyes Dimmed. “fair Enough,” He Said. “i Suppose You Are Not.

Eye

Light

Perfect

Even In Half Demon Hunter Clothes, Clary Thought, He Looked Like The Kind Of Boy Who'd Come Over Your House To Pick You Up For A Date And Be Polite To Your Parents And Nice To Your Pets. Jace On The Other Hand, Looked Like The Kind Of Boy Who'd Come Over Your House And Burn It Down Just For Kicks.

Nice

Boys

Hands

I Have A Dress Fitting To Get To At Three.' (simon) 'cool,' Said Kyle, Slinging His Messenger Bag Over His Shoulder And Heading For The Door. 'get Them To Make You Something In Red. It's Totally Your Color.

Doors

Color

Dresses

I Could Give You A Thiught Sheath To Put That In,"isabelle Offered. "i Got Tons." "certainly Not," Said Simon. Clary Shot Him An Irritated Look. "thanks, But I'm Not Really A Thigh Sheath Kind Of Girl," -pg. 214

Girl

Giving

Looks

Oh, I Can Never Get Enough. Which, Incidentally, Is What Your Sister Said When--

Enough

Said

Innuendo

Our Hearts, They Need A Mirror, Tessa. We See Our Better Selves In The Eyes Of Those Who Love Us.

Princess

Eye

Heart

She Had Imagined Jace Leaping From The Bed In Astonishment And Gasping Something Like "egad!" This Didn't Happen-largely, She Suspected, Because Jace Had Seen Much Stranger Things In His Life, And Also Because Nobody Used The Word "egad!" Anymore. His Eyes Widened, Though.

Eye

Bed

Astonishment

The Letter I Received Said You Had Need Of My Particular Talents, But I Must Confess That I Have So Many Talents That I Am Not Sure Which One You Require.

Needs

Letters

Talent

Now That I'm In Your Mind, Want To See Some Naked Mental Pictures Of Jace?

Mind

Naked

Want

He Bent To Put His Cheek Against Hers. His Breath Against Her Ear Made Her Shudder With Each Deliberately Spoken Word. "i Have Wanted To Do This," He Said, "every Moment Of Every Hour Of Every Day That I Have Been With You Since The Day I Met You.

Ears

Moments

Hours

Will Gave A Short Laugh. He Was In Gear As If He Had Just Come From The Practice Room, And His Hair Curled Damply Against His Temples. He Was Not Looking At Tessa, But She Had Grown Used To That. Will Hardly Ever Looked At Her Unless He Had To.

Hair

Practice

Laughing

Look, I Asked You Here For A Reason. Much As I Hate To Admit It, Vampire, We Have Something In Common." "totally Awesome Hair?" Simon Suggested.

Hate

Hair

Vampire

So John Took Out Of His Pocket A Knife Both Long And Sharp, And Stuck It Through His Brother's Heart, And The Blood Came Pouring Down. Says John To William, "take Off Thy Shirt, And Tear It From Gore To Gore, And Wrap It Round Your Bleeding Heart, And The Blood Will Pour No More.

Brother

Heart

Blood

So You're A Shadowhunter,' Nate Said. 'de Quincey Told Me That You Lot Were Monsters.' 'was That Before Or After He Tried To Eat You?' Will Inquired.

Monsters

Shadowhunters

Said

All My Life, Since I Came To The Institute, You Were The Mirror Of My Soul. I Saw The Good In Me In You. In Your Eyes Alone I Found Grace. When You Are Gone From Me, Who Will See Me Like That?

Eye

Mirrors

Soul

Samuel! Are You Alright?" A Vision Of Samuel Being Brained By The Falling Bars Rose Up Before Simon's Eyes. Samuel's Voice Rose To A Scream. "go Away!" Simon Looked Sideways At Jace. "i Think He Means It." Jace Shook His Blond Head In Exasperation. "you Had To Make A Crazy Jail Friend, Didn't You? You Couldn't Just Count Ceiling Tiles Or Tame A Pet Mouse Like Normal Prisoners Do?

Crazy

Fall

Mean

How Can You Tell? That I Like Books, I Mean. The Look On Your Face When You Walked In, Somehow I Doubted You Were That Impressed By Me.

Book

Mean

Looks

Tell Me You Love Me. Tell Me You Love Me And Will Fight With Me.

Fighting

Tell Me You Love Me

A Diary With No Drawings Of Me In It? Where Are The Torrid Fantasies? The Romance Covers?

Humorous

Drawing

Romance

But The Person Who Stepped Out Of The Front Door Was Tall And Thin, With Short, Spiky Dark Hair. He Was Wearing A Gold Mesh Vest And A Pair Of Silk Pajama Pants. He Regarded Clary With Mild Interest, Puffing Gently On A Fantastically Large Pipe As He Did So. Though He Looked Nothing At All Like A Viking, He Was Instantly And Totally Familiar. Magnus Bane

Dark

Hair

Doors

Why Didn’t You Wake Me Up?' 'i Thought You Could Use The Rest. Besides, You Were Sleeping Like The Dead. You Even Drooled,' He Added. 'on My Shirt.' Clary‘s Hand Flew To Her Mouth. 'sorry.' 'its Not Often You Get To See Someone Drool,' Jace Observed. 'especially With Such Total Abandon. Mouth Wide Open And Everything.

Sorry

Sleep

Hands

Sometimes He Thought They Were All Forsaken, Every Soul On This Earth.

Soul

Earth

Sometimes

He'd Woken Up The Next Day In The City Hospital With Magnus Bane Staring Down At Him With An Odd Expression--it Could Have Been Deep Concern Or Merely Curiosity, It Was Hard To Tell With Magnus.

Expression

Cities

Next Day

He Wants Her In His Bedroom. And Not In That Way — No Girl Has Ever Been In His Bedroom That Way. It Is His Private Space, His Sanctuary. But He Wants Clary There. He Wants Her To See Him, The Reality Of Him, Not The Image He Shows The World. He Wants To Lie Down On The Bed With Her And Have Her Curl Into Him. He Wants To Hold Her As She Breathes Softly Through The Night; To See Her As No One Else Sees Her: Vulnerable And Asleep. To See Her And To Be Seen.

Girl

Lying

Night

For A Moment She Just Stared, Wondering If There Were Another Girl Staying Here, Or If Sebastian Had Taken To Cross-dressing.

Girl

Taken

Wonder

I Have A Fetish For Damsels In Distress.” “don’t Be Sexist.” “not At All. My Services Are Also Available To Gentlemen In Distress. It’s An Equal Opportunity Fetish.

Opportunity

Gentleman

Sexist

You Have A Dark Heart In You, Valentine's Daughter.

Daughter

Valentine

Heart

You Know, When Someone Prefers Their Own Brother Over You, It Isn't A Confidence Booster.

Brother

Over You

Knows

Jem--jem Is All The Better Part Of Myself. I Would Not Expect You To Understand. I Owe Him This." "then What Am I?" Cecily Asked. Will Exhaled, Too Exasperated To Check Himself. "you Are My Weakness." "and Tessa Is Your Heart," She Said, Not Angrily, But Thoughtfully. "not A Fool, As I Told You," She Added At His Startled Expression. I Know That You Love Her.

Heart

Expression

Weakness

Sweet Pea?'" Alec Said. "i Was Just Trying It Out." Alec Shook His Head. "no." Magnus Shrugged. "i'll Keep At It.

Sweet

Trying

Peas

You Might Want To Put Some Clothes On' Suggested Jace 'i'm All For The Bra And Panties Look, But You Don't Want The Silent Brothers To Die Of Excitement

Brother

Clothes

Looks

All Lightwoods Look The Same To Me—

Looks

Clockwork Princess

Gabriel Lightwood

People Were Intrinsically Selfish, And Many Hated The Idea Of A Woman In Charge Of The Institute. They Would Not Put Themselves At Risk For Her. Only A Few Weeks Ago He Would Have Said The Same Thing About Himself. Now, Knowing Charlotte, He Realized To His Surprise, The Idea Of Risking Himself For Her Seemed An Honor, As It Would Be To Most Englishmen To Risk Themselves For The Queen.

Queens

Selfish

Ideas

Sometimes One Must Choose Whether To Be Kind Or Honorable," He Said. "sometimes One Cannot Be Both.

Be Kind

Sometimes

Said

Oh God.” Said Magnus, “they’re Dead. They’re All Dead!

Said

What's This?" "that's A Mango." Simon Stared At Jace. Sometimes It Really Is Like Shadowhunters Were From An Alien Planet. "i Don't Think I've Seen One Of Those That Wasn't Already Cut Up," Jace Mused. "i Like Mangoes." Simon Grabbed The Mango And Tossed It Into The Cart. "great. What Else Do You Like?" Jace Pondered For A Moment. "tomato Soup," He Said Finally. "tomato Soup? You Want Tomato Soup And A Mango For Dinner?" Jace Shrugged. "i Don't Really Care About Food.

Cutting

Thinking

Tomatoes

It Is Easier To Confront A Threat As A Mass, A Group, Not Individuals Who Must Be Evaluated One By One.

Groups

Individual

Easier

I Can Only Assume," Said Jace, "that Mortal Emotions Amuse You Because You Have None Of Your Own.

Emotion

Assuming

Jace

He Understands Now Why Kisses In Movies Are Filmed The Way They Are, With The Camera Endlessly Circling, Circling: The Ground Is Unsteady Under His.

Kissing

Cameras

Way

The Witchlight Made His Skin Paler, His Eyes More Intently Blue. They Were The Color Of The Water In The North Atlantic, Where The Ice Drifted On Its Blue-black Surface Like The Snow Clinging To The Dark Glass Pane Of A Window.

Eye

Dark

Glasses

Simon Looked At Jordan Who Was Looking At Maia Again. She Had Her Back To Them And Was Talking To Luke And Jocelyn, Laughing, Flinging Her Curly Hair Back. "don't Even Think About It," Simon Said, And Got Up. He Pointed At Jordan. "you Stay Here." "and Do What?" "whatever Praetor Lupas Do In This Situation. Meditate. Contemplate Your Jedi Powers. Whatever.

Thinking

Talking

Curly Hair

The Thing About The Mirror Is That No One Knows Where It Is. In Fact, No One Knows What It Is.” "it’s A Mirror,” Simon Said. “you Know – Reflective, Glass. I’m Just Assuming.

Glasses

Mirrors

Facts

Someday, Will, I Will Go Where None Can Follow Me, And I Think It Will Be Sooner Rather Than Later. Have You Ever Asked Yourself Why I Agreed To Be Your Parabatai?

Thinking

Follow Me

Someday

Black For Hunting Through The Night For Death And Sorrow, The Color’s White Gold For A Bride In Her Wedding Gown, And Red To Call Enchantment Down.

Night

Hunting

Color

Jessamine Recoiled From The Paper As If It Were A Snake. "a Lady Does Not Read The Newspaper. The Society Pages, Perhaps, Or The Theater News. Not This Filth." "but You Are Not A Lady, Jessamine---," Charlotte Began. "dear Me," Said Will. "such Harsh Truths So Early In The Morning Cannot Be Good For The Digestion.

Morning

Snakes

Doe

... Love Given Without Free Will Or Truthfulness Wasn't Love At All.

Free Will

Given

Truthfulness

I Should Have Guessed You Were Jace's Sister," He Said. "you Both Have The Same Artistic Talent." Clary Paused, Her Foot On The Lowest Stair. She Was Taken Aback. "jace Can Draw?" Nah." When Alec Smiled, His Eyes Lit Like Blue Lamps And Clary Could See What Magnus Had Found So Captivating About Him. "i Was Just Kidding. He Can't Draw A Straight Line.

Taken

Eye

Blue

It Was Hidden Inside Another Book. One Valentine Was Unlikely To Ever Open." Magnus Smiled Crookedly. "simple Recipes For Housewives. No One Can Say Your Mother Didn't Have A Sense Of Humor.

Mother

Valentine

Book

Understanding Quotes: Their Essence and Application

Quotes, or quotations, are powerful tools in communication, encapsulating ideas, emotions, and wisdom in concise expressions. They serve various purposes across different contexts, from academic writing to everyday conversation.

1. Defining Quotes

A quote is a repetition of someone else's statement or thoughts. It can be a direct replication of words spoken or written by another individual, often used to support arguments, provide evidence, or convey profound insights.

2. The Importance of Quotes

2.1. Enhancing Credibility

Incorporating quotes from authoritative sources can bolster the credibility of your work. By referencing experts or primary sources, you demonstrate thorough research and a solid foundation for your arguments.

2.2. Providing Evidence

Quotes serve as concrete evidence to support claims. In academic and professional writing, they validate points made, offering readers a basis to trust the information presented.

2.3. Conveying Emotions and Perspectives

Quotes can encapsulate emotions and perspectives succinctly. They allow writers to express complex feelings or viewpoints through the words of others, often more eloquently than paraphrasing.

3. Types of Quotes

3.1. Direct Quotes

Direct quotes involve copying the exact words from a source, enclosed in quotation marks. They are used when the original wording is significant or particularly well-expressed.

3.2. Indirect Quotes (Paraphrasing)

Indirect quotes restate the original message in your own words. While not enclosed in quotation marks, they still require proper attribution to the original source.

3.3. Block Quotes

Block quotes are lengthy direct quotations, formatted as a separate block of text. They are typically used for quotes exceeding a certain length, varying by citation style. For instance, in APA style, quotes longer than 40 words are formatted as block quotes.

4. Proper Usage of Quotes

4.1. Contextual Relevance

Ensure that the quote you choose is relevant to the topic and adds value to your content. Avoid inserting quotes solely for decorative purposes.

4.2. Integration into Your Writing

Seamlessly integrate quotes into your writing. Introduce them appropriately and follow up with analysis or commentary to connect them to your main points.

4.3. Attribution and Citation

Always attribute quotes to their original authors and provide proper citations according to the required style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

5.1. Overusing Quotes

Relying too heavily on quotes can overshadow your voice. Use them sparingly to support your arguments, not replace them.

5.2. Lack of Analysis

Presenting a quote without analysis or explanation can leave readers questioning its relevance. Always follow up with your interpretation or discussion.

5.3. Misquoting or Taking Out of Context

Ensure that quotes are accurate and not taken out of context, as this can mislead readers and undermine your credibility.

6. Quotes in Different Contexts

6.1. Academic Writing

In academic writing, quotes are used to support arguments, provide evidence, and engage with existing literature. Proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism.

6.2. Journalism

Journalists use quotes to provide firsthand accounts, add authenticity, and present multiple perspectives within a story.

6.3. Literature and Creative Writing

In literature, quotes can be used to convey character voices, themes, and stylistic elements. They enrich narratives and provide depth to storytelling.

7. Punctuation and Formatting

Understanding the correct punctuation and formatting of quotes is essential:

Quotation Marks: Always enclose direct quotes within quotation marks.

Punctuation Placement: In American English, periods and commas are placed inside quotation marks, while colons and semicolons are placed outside.

Block Quotes: For longer quotes, format them as block quotes without quotation marks, and indent the entire block.

8. Ethical Considerations

Ethical use of quotes involves accurate representation, proper attribution, and respect for intellectual property. Misuse can lead to plagiarism, which carries serious academic and professional consequences.

9. Tools for Managing Quotes

Utilize tools like citation generators and plagiarism checkers to manage quotes effectively. These tools help ensure proper formatting and originality in your writing.

Conclusion

Quotes are invaluable in enriching content, providing evidence, and conveying complex ideas succinctly. When used appropriately, they enhance the quality and credibility of your writing. Always ensure relevance, proper integration, and ethical usage to maximize their impact.

Trending Author