Reparations,” Said Jem Very Suddenly, Setting Down The Pen He Was Holding. Will Looked At Him In Puzzlement. “is This A Game? We Just Blurt Out Whatever Word Comes Next To Mind? In That Case Mine Is ‘genuphobia’. It Means An Unreasonable Fear Of Knees.” “what’s The Word For A Perfectly Reasonable Fear Of Annoying Idiots?” Inquired Jessamine.

-Cassandra Clare

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Translating....

Reparations,” Said Jem Very

Cassandra Clare

Topic

Mean

Games

Mind

More From Cassandra Clare

I Believe In Good And Evil," Said Jem. "and I Believe The Soul Is Eternal. But I Don't Believe In The Fiery Pit, The Pitchforks, Or Endless Torment. I Do Not Believe You Can Threaten People Into Goodness." Tessa Looked At Will. "what About You? What Do You Believe? "pulvis Et Umbra Sumus," Said Will, Not Looking At Her As He Spoke. "i Believe We Are Dust And Shadows. What Else Is There?

Believe

Dust

People

Love Isn't A Weakness.

Weakness

Filters Are For Cigarrettes And Coffee," Simon Muttered Under His Breath As They Went Inside. "two Things I Could Use Right Now, Incidentally.

Coffee

Two

Filters

She Shook Her Head. She Was So Pale Under The Diffuse Lamp-light That She Looked Almost Transparent, As If Simon Could Have Looked Right Through Her. The Way, He Supposed, He Always Had.

Light

Lamps

Way

Good. Because I Don't Need Protecting." "i Knew You'd Say That.but The Thing Is, Sometimes You Do. And Sometimes I Do. We're Meant To Protect Each Other, But Not From Everything. Not From The Truth. That's What It Means To Love Someone But Let Them Be Themselves.

Mean

Needs

Sometimes

Meanwhile,” Simon Added, “i Wanted To Tell You That Lately I‘ve Been Cross-dressing. Also, I‘m Sleeping With Your Mom. I Thought You Should Know.

Mom

Sleep

Bones

Sorry, Are You Telling Me That Your Demon-slaying Buddies Need To Be Driven To Their Next Assignment With The Forces Of Darkness By My Mom?

Mom

Sorry

Darkness

The Way Magnus’ Breath Had Sounded, Rattling In His Chest, Before He’d Said His Father’s Name.

Father

Names

Way

As Luke Knelt Down Beside His Corpse, Clary Couldn’t Help But Remember What He Had Said About Having Loved Valentine Once, About Having Been His Closest Friend. Luke, She Thought With A Pang. Surely He Couldn’t Be Sad — Or Even Grieved? But Then Again, Perhaps Everyone Should Have Someone To Grieve For Them, And There Was No One Else To Grieve For Valentine.

Valentine

Grieving

Should Have

Charlotte, Who Had Sagged Back In Her Chair, Her Eyes Half-closed, Said, “will, I Have Already Been Up All Night Copying Down The Relevant Parts. Much Of It Was—” “gibberish?” Jem Suggested. “pornographic?” Said Will At The Same Time. “could Be Both,” Said Will. “haven’t You Ever Heard Of Pornographic Gibberish Before?

Eye

Night

Copying

He Put His Arms About Himself As If He Were Cold. "i Do Not Know Who To Be Without Him.

Arms

Cold

Ifs

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.

Skills

Mind

London

Before Simon Could Answer, He Heard The Sound Of The Front Door Opening. He Looked Daggers At Jace. "that's My Roommate. Kyle. Be Nice." Jace Smiled Charmingly. "i'm Always Nice.

Nice

Doors

Sound

I Wouldn't Cut You Out Of My Life Clary, Any More Than I Would Cut Off My Right Hand And Give It To Someone As A Valentine's Day Gift." Gross," Said Clary. "must You?" Simon Grinned. "i Must.

Valentine

Cutting

Hands

Come In. And Try Not To Murder Any Of My Guests." Jace Edged Into The Doorway, Sizing Up Magnus With His Eyes. "even If One Of Them Spills A Drink On My New Shoes?" "even Then.

Eye

New Shoes

Trying

That's Why When Major Badasses Greet Each Other In Movies, They Don't Say Anything, They Just Nod. The Nod Means, 'i' Am A Badass, And I Recognize That You, Too, Are A Badass,' But They Don't Say Anything Because They're Wolverine And Magneto And It Would Mess Up Their Vibe To Explain.

Badass

Mean

Say Anything

That’s Why Girls Have Boyfriends. So You Have Someone To Take You To Boring Functions.

Girl

Boring

Function

Simon Grinned. "you've Never Heard Of Dungeons And Dragons?" "i've Heard Of Dungeons," Jace Said. "also Dragons. Although They're Mostly Extinct.

Dragons

Dungeons

Jace

Alec Looked Merely Irritated By This Comment. "the Only Way You Could Raise Enough Money To Hire Magnus By Selling Lemonade Is If You Put Meth In It.

Way

Irritated

Enough

Will Remembered The Two Of Them, Running Through The Dark Streets Of London, Jumping From Rooftop To Rooftop, Seraph Blades Gleaming In Their Hands; Hours In The Training Room, Shoving Each Other Into Mud Puddles, Throwing Snowballs At Jessamine From Behind An Ice Fort In The Courtyard, Asleep Like Puppies On The Rug In Front Of The Fire.

Running

Dark

Fire

With Jace, You Don't Really Get To Choose Your Insulting Nickname.

Insulting

Nicknames

Jace

She'd Always Had Such Contempt For Mundanes, The Way All Shadowhunters Did--she'd Believed That They Were Soft, Stupid, Sheeplike In Their Complacency. Now She Wondered If All That Hatred Didn't Just Stem From The Fact That She Was Jealous. It Must Be Nice Not Worrying That Every Time One Of Your Family Members Walked Out The Door, They'd Never Come Back.

Nice

Stupid

Jealous

Most Human Subjugates Are Young,” Said Will. “vampires Like To Acquire Their Subjugates When They’re Youthful—prettier To Look At, And Less Chance Of Diseased Blood. And They’ll Live A Bit Longer, Though Not Much.” He Looked Pleased With Himself. “most Of The Rest Of The Enclave Wouldn’t Be Able To Pass Convincingly As A Handsome Young Human Subjugate—” “because The Rest Of Us All Are Hideous, Are We?” Jem Inquired, Looking Amused.

Blood

Vampire

Looks

It's Because You're Too Scared To Tell Anyone Who You Really Love. Love Makes Us Liars.

Liars

Scared

I Don't Know Why I Had To Fall In Love With Someone Who's More Stubborn Than I Am.

Falling In Love

Stubborn

Knows

Yes, She Doesn't Really Look Like Either Of Us, Does She? Perhaps She's A Girl Who's Fallen Madly In Love With Me And Persists In Following Me Wherever I Go." "my Talent Is Shape-shifting, Will, Not Acting," Said Tessa, And At That Jem Laughed Out Loud.

Girl

Acting

Doe

I Am One Of The Clave. It's In My Blood And Bones. So Tell Me, If You're So Sure This Wasn't My Fault, Why Is It That The First Thought In My Mind When I Saw Abbadon Wasn't For My Fellow Warriors But For You?" His Other Hand Came Up; He Was Holding Her Face, Prisoned Between His Palms. "i Know-i Knew-alec Wasn't Acting Like Himself. I Knew Something Was Wrong. But All I Could Think About Was You.

Warrior

Thinking

Blood

Wallowing Was For Elephants, Depressing People And Depressing Elephants

Depressing

Elephants

People

And The Answer Is Yes. I Have Loved You. I Always Have, And I Always Will.

Answers

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

I Imagine That It Will Not Be Easy To Persuade Mortmain Into A Bonnet," Magnus Observed. "though The Color Would Be Fetching On Him." Henry Burst Into Laughter. "very Droll, Mr. Bane." "please, Call Me Magnus." "i Shall!

Laughter

Color

Would Be

If It's The Lack Of Forbidden You're Worried About. You Could Still Forbid Me To Do Things." "what Kind Of Things?" She Felt Him Smile Against Her Mouth. "things Like This.

Mouths

Kind

Worried

Are You Implying That Shreds Of My Reputation Remain Intact?" Will Demanded With Mock Horror. "clearly I Have Been Doing Something Wrong. Or Not Something Wrong, As The Case May Be." He Banged On The Side Of The Carriage. "thomas! We Must Away At Once To The Nearest Brothel. I Seek Scandal And Low Companionship.

May

Scandal

Sides

Speaking Of Hope, Did You See That Shot Alec Got Off With His Bow? That's My Boyfriend." He Beamed And Wiggled His Fingers; Blue Sparks Shot From Them. He Shone All Over. Only Magnus, Simon Thought Resignedly, Would Have Access To Sequined Battle Armor.

Blue

My Boyfriend

Battle

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

Talking

Likes

Jace

Desire Is Not Always Lessened By Disgust. Nor Can It Be Bestowed, Like A Favor, To Those Most Deserving Of It. And As My Words Bind My Magic, So You Can Know The Truth. If She Doesn’t Desire His Kiss, She Won’t Be Free.

Kissing

Magic

Desire

The Kitchen Was Bright, Cheerful Yellow, The Walls Decorated With Framed Chalk And Pencil Sketches Simon And Rebecca Had Done In Grade School. Rebecca Had Some Drawing Talent, You Could Tell, But Simon's Sketches Of People All Looked Like Parking Meters With Tufts Of Hair.

Wall

School

Hair

However, There Is Something You Should Have. Something Every Shadowhunter Should Have." "an Obnoxious, Arrogant Attitude?" Simon Said.

Attitude

Should Have

Arrogant

I Am Sorry," Will Said. "no," Jem Said... "don't Be Ordinary Like That. Don't Say You're Sorry.

Sorry

Ordinary

Said

Their Beauty Had Always Seemed To Him Like The Beauty Of Pressed Flowers-lovely, But Dead.

Flower

Lovely

I Adore Wilkie Collins,” Tessa Cried. “oh—armadale! And The Woman In White … Are You Laughing At Me?” “not At You,” Said Will, Grinning, “more Because Of You. I’ve Never Seen Anyone Get So Excited Over Books Before. You’d Think They Were Diamonds.” “well, They Are, Aren’t They? Isn’t There Anything You Love Like That? And Don’t Say ‘spats’ Or ‘lawn Tennis’ Or Something Silly.” “good Lord,” He Said With Mock Horror, “it’s Like She Knows Me Already.

Silly

Book

Thinking

"yeah, Well, You Clearly Also Couldn't Be Bothered To Call Me And Tell Me You Were Shacking Up With Some Dyed-blond Wanna-be Goth You Probably Met At Pandemonium. After I Spent The Past Three Days Wondering If You Were Dead." "i Was Not Shacking Up," Clary Said, Glad Of The Darkness As The Blood Rushed To Her Face. "and My Hair Is Naturally Blond," Said Jace. "just For The Record."

Past

Blood

Hair

Will Looked Horrified. "what Kind Of Monster Could Possibly Hate Chocolate?

Hate

Healing

Chocolate

When Jace Opened The Greenhouse Door, The Scent Hit Clary, Soft As The Padded Blow Of A Cat's Paw.

Cat

Blow

Doors

Well, I'd Certainly Hate To Interrupt Your Pleasant Night Stroll With My Sudden Death." He Blinked. "there Is A Fine Line Between Sarcasm And Outright Hostility, And You Seem To Have Crossed It. What's Up?

Hate

Sarcasm

Night

Simon Watched A Kelpie Skip Past, Carrying A Glass Of Blue Fluid, And Raised An Eyebrow. “it’s Not Like Magnus’s Party,” Isabelle Reassured Him. “everything Here Ought To Be Safe To Drink.” “ought To Be?” Aline Look Worried.

Party

Past

Glasses

They Confused Beauty With Innocence And Harmlessness.

Confused

Innocence

Harmlessness

And I Think That You Do Not Understand That Sometimes The Only Choice Is Between Acceptance And Madness.

Acceptance

Thinking

Choices

The Moment The Door Closed Behind Him, Tessa Was In Will's Arms, Her Hands Locked About His Neck. "oh, By The Angel," She Said. "that Was Mortifying." Will Slid His Hands Into Her Hair And Was Kissing Her, Kissing Her Eyelids And Her Cheeks And Then Her Mouth, Quickly But With Fervor And Concentration, As If Nothing Could Be More Important. "listen To You," He Said. "you Said 'by The Angel.' Like A Shadowhunter." He Kissed The Side Of Her Mouth. "i Love You. God, I Love You. I Waited So Long To Say It.

Love You

Angel

Kissing

I Do Not Believe You Can Threaten People Into Goodness.” - Jem Carstairs

Believe

People

Goodness

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

And You Should Not Be Out And About In Your Nightgown. There Are Lightwoods Wandering These Halls.

Princess

Should

Wander

Sometimes, When Bridget Was In A Particularly Melodious Mood, Sophie Thought About Stalking Downstairs And Pushing Her Into The Oven Like The With In 'hansel And Gretel.

Sophie

Pushing

Sometimes

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

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

We Are Responsible For Protecting Tessa!

Responsible

...in Paris She Found Magnus, Who Was Living In A Garret Apartment And Paiting, An Occupation For Which He Had No Aptitude Whatsoever. He Let Her Sleep On A Mattress By The Window, And In The Night, When She Woke Up Screaming For Will, He Came And Put His Arms Around Her, Smelling Of Turpentine. "the First One Is Always The Hardest," He Said. "the First?" "the First One You Love Who Dies," He Said. "it Gets Easier, After.

Princess

Sleep

Night

I Don’t Want To Be Nephilim,” Said Jace. “i Want To Be Something Else. Stronger, Faster, Better Than Human. But Different. Not Subservient To The Laws Of An Angel Who Couldn’t Care Less About Us. Free.” He Ran His Hand Through A Curl Of Her Hair. “i’m Happy Now, Clary. Doesn’t That Make A Difference?

Angel

Hair

Hands

Unfortunatley, Lady Of The Haven, My One True Love Remains My Self.

Self

One True Love

Clockwork Princess

In A Closed Urban Fantasy, The Magical World Is Secret And No One Knows About It. In An Open Urban Fantasy, Everyone Knows About It. So With A Closed Fantasy, You Have To Figure Out How The World Keeps Itself Secret, And With An Open One, You Have To Figure Out How Knowledge Of Magic Has Altered The World We Know.

Magic

Secret

World

Well I'd Certainly Hate To Interrupt Your Pleasant Night Stroll With My Sudden Death.

Hate

Night

Jace

Clary Found Herself Wondering If The Forsaken Were Edible.

Wonder

Found

Forsaken

It's Simon. He's Missing." "ah," Said Magnus, Delicately, "missing What, Exactly?" "missing," Jace Repeated, "as In Gone, Absent, Notable For His Lack Of Presence, Disappeared." "maybe He's Gone And Hidden Under Something," Magnus Suggested. "it Can't Be Easy Getting Used To Being A Rat, Especially For Someone So Dim-witted In The First Place." "simon's Not Dim-witted," Clary Protested Angrily. "it's True," Jace Agreed. "he Just Looks Dim-witted. Really His Intelligence Is Quite Average.

Average

Missing

Looks

And Now I Need You To Do For Me What I Cannot Do For Myself. For You To Be My Eyes When I Do Not Have Them. For You To Be My Hands When I Cannot Use My Own. For You To Be My Heart When Mine Is Done Beating.

Heart

Eye

Hands

I Believe That Authors Don't Have A Responsibility To Include "messages" In Their Work, But They Do Have A Responsibility To Write A World That Seems True And Real, Never More Than When Expecting Readers To Believe In Magic And Angels And Fairies.

Real

Believe

Responsibility

Try Me On Any Day That Doesn't End In Y - Jace

Trying

Jace

Ends

By The Angel, Bridget’s Depressing,” Said Henry, Setting Down His Newspaper Directly On His Plate And Causing The Edge To Soak Through With Egg Yolk. Charlotte Opened Her Mouth As If To Object, And Closed It Again. “it’s All Heartbreak, Death And Unrequited Love.” “well, That Is What Most Songs Are About,” Said Will. “requited Love Is Nice, But It Doesn’t Make Much Of A Ballad.

Song

Depressing

Nice

Gideon Lightwood Said He Was At The Institute In Madrid. What On Earth Was He Doing There?' 'faffing About, Most Likely', Said Will.

Gideon

Earth

Madrid

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

Strangely, What Pierced His Heart And Mind Most Sharply Was Not The Memory Of Her Lips Under His At The Ball, But The Way She Had Leaned Into His Neck, As If She Trusted Him Utterly. He Would Have Given Everything He Had In The World And Everything He Would Ever Have, Just To Lie Beside Her In The Narrow Infirmary Bed And Hold Her While She Slept. Pulling Away From Her Had Been Like Pulling His Own Skin Off, But He'd Had To Do It.

Memories

Lying

Heart

I Fear I Must Agree," Magnus Murmured. He Pressed A Hand Over His Heart And His New Peacock-blue Waistcoast. "i Strive To Find Some Respect In My Heart For You, But Alas! It Seems An Impossible Quest.

Heart

Blue

Hands

Clary Glanced Past Him And Asked, "where's Magnus?" "he Said It Would Be Better If He Didn't Come. Apparently He And The Seelie Queen Have Some Kind Of History." Isabelle Raised Her Eyebrows. "not That Kind Of History," Said Alec Irritably. "some Kind Of Feud. Though," He Added, Half Under His Breath, "the Way He Got Around Before Me, I Woudn't Be Surprised.

Queens

Past

Eyebrows

Mom. I Have Something To Tell You. I’m Undead. Now, I Know You May Have Some Preconceived Notions About The Undead. I Know You May Not Be Comfortable With The Idea Of Me Being Undead. But I’m Here To Tell You That Undead Are Just Like You And Me … Well, Okay. Possibly More Like Me Than You.

Mom

Humor

Ideas

You Might At Least Believe That I Know Honor- Honor And Debt.

Believe

Honor

Debt

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

Is This Some Manly Bonding Thing I Can't Be A Part Of? Are You Getting Matching Haircuts?

Matching

Bonding

Haircuts

She Knew She Could Not Be Jem For Will. No One Could. But Slowly The Hollow Places In His Heart Were Filling In.

Heart

Filling In

Jem

I Always Knew There Were Vampires, Dude,” He’d Said. “because, You Know How There’s People You Know Who, Like, Always Look The Same, Even When They’re, Like, A Hundred Years Old? Like David Bowie? That’s Because They’re Vampires.

Years

People

Vampire

Jace Perched On The Windowsill And Looked Down At Him. "you Really Don't Get This Bodyguard Thing, Do You?" "i Didn't Even Think You Liked Me All That Much," Said Simon. "is This One Of Those Keep-your-friends-close-and-your-enemies-closer Things?" "i Thought It Was Keep Your Friends Close So You Have Someone To Drive The Car When You Sneak Over To Your Enemy's House A Night And Throw Up In His Mailbox." "i'm Pretty Sure That's Not It

Night

Thinking

Car

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

Jail

Pet

And Jessamine-jessamine Was Gazing At Her In Abject Horror, Like Someone Who Has Seen A Vision Of Their Own Ghost. For A Moment Tessa Felt A Stab Of Guilt. It Lasted Only A Moment, Though. Slowly Jessamine Lowered Her Hand From Her Mouth, Her Face Still Very Pale. "goodness, My Nose Is Enormous," She Exclaimed. "why Didn't Anyone Tell Me?

Hands

Vision

Guilt

Even The Trip Throught The Portal Had Not Disarranged Magnus's Hair Spikes. He Tugged On One Proudly. "check It Out", He Said To Isabelle. "magic?" "hair Gel. $3.99 At Ricky's.

Hair

Magic

Portal

Tessa Exhaled. She Hadn't Realized That She Had Been Holding Her Breath Until That Moment. Will Must Have Heard Her, For He Raised His Head And His Gaze Met Hers Across The Clearing. Something In It Made Her Look Away. Agony Stripped So Raw Was Not Meant For Her Eyes.

Eye

Agony

Looks

I Learned To Share Work With People Even When It Was In Its Rough Stages Without Worrying That They'd Be Filled With Scorn And Hatred. After All, I Can Read Their Rough Work Without Turning On Them Like A Wildebeest.

Worry

People

Hatred

In Some Ways, We've Been Through Something No One Else Can Ever Understand But The Two Of Us... And It Made Me Realize. We Are Always And Absolutely Better Together.

Two

Together

Way

She's Alive," Thomas Said, Not Opening His Eyes. "what?" Will Was Caught Off Guard. "the One You Come Back For. Her. Tessa. She's With Sophie.

Eye

Sophie

Alive

Well, You Know, Your Mom Gets Like This Sometimes," Simon Said. "like When She Breathes In Or Out.

Mom

Sometimes

Breathe

She Closed Her Eyes And Jumped. For A Moment She Felt Herself Hang Suspended, Free Of Everything. Then Gravity Took Over, And She Plunged Toward The Floor. Instinctively She Pulled Her Arms And Legs In, Keeping Her Eyes Squeezed Shut. The Cord Pulled Taut And She Rebounded, Flying Back Up Before Falling Again. As Her Velocity Slowed, She Opened Her Eyes And Found Herself Dangling At The End Of The Cord, About Five Feet Above Jace. He Was Grinning. 'nice', He Said. 'as Graceful As A Falling Snowflake.

Nice

Fall

Eye

When The Fey Were Worried, It Was Time To Panic.

Fey

Panic

Worried

I See That You Are Working This Vampire Angle With Some Success. And Kudos. Lots Of Girls Love That Sensitive-undead Thing. But I'd Drop The Whole Musician Angle If I Were You. Vampire Rock Stars Are Played Out, And Besides, You Can't Possible Be Very Good.

Girl

Stars

Rocks

I've Heard The Word 'fear'. I Simply Choose To Believe It Doesn't Apply To Me.

Believe

Jace

Heard

"jace?" She Offered Him The Glass. "i Am A Man," He Told Her. "and Men Do Not Consume Pink Beverages. Get Thee Gone, Woman And Bring Me Something Brown." "brown?" Isabelle Made A Face. "brown Is A Manly Colour," Said Jace And Yanked On A Stray Lock Of Isabelle's Hair With His Free Hand. "in Fact, Look - Alec Is Wearing It." Alec Looked Mournfully Down At His Sweater. "it Was Black," He Said. "but Then It Faded." "you Could Dress It Up With A Sequined Headband," Magnus Suggested.

Men

Glasses

Hair

The Queen Sniffed. "i Rather Miss Your Jace," She Said. "of All Of You, He Was The Prettiest And The Best-mannered.

Queens

Missing

Jace

Demon Pox. There's Always Demon Pox.

Demon Pox

Pox

Demon

Ah,” Said Magnus. “nerd Love. It Is A Beautiful Thing, While Also Being An Object Of Mockery And Hilarity For Those Of Us Who Are More Sophisticated.

Beautiful

Nerd

Hilarity

'will,' She Whispered Against His Mouth. She Wanted Him Closer To Her So Badly, It Was Like An Ache, A Painful Hot Ache That Spread From Her Stomach To Speed Her Heart And Knot Her Hands In His Hair And Set Her Skin Burning. 'will, You Need Not Be So Careful. I Will Not Break.'

Heart

Hair

Hands

I Would Rather Insult You Than Lose You, He Said, And Before Any Of Them Could Make A Move To Stop Him, He Cast Both Items Into The Fire.

Moving

Fire

Insults You

I Would Die For You. You Know That. I Would Die Without You. If It Were Not For You, I Would Be Dead A Hundred Times Over These Past Five Years.

Past

Years

Would Be

I Only Count The Hours That Shine.

Shining

Hours

I Know How You Are With Your Words, And, Will- I Love All Of Them. Every Word You Say. The Silly Ones, The Mad Ones, The Beautiful Ones, And The Ones That Are Only For Me. I Love Them, And I Love You." - Tessa Gray

Beautiful

Silly

Princess

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

That Does It," Said Jace. "i'm Going To Get You A Dictionary For Christmas This Year." "why?" Isabelle Said. "so You Can Look Up 'fun.' I'm Not Sure You Know What It Means.

Fun

Humor

Mean

Not Specifically. "demons Have Been On Earth As Long As We Have. They're All Over The World, In Their Different Forms – Greek Daemons, Persian Daevas, Hindu Asuras, Japanese Oni. Most Belief Systems Have Some Method Of Incorporating Both Their Existence And The Fight Against Them. Shadowhunters Cleave To No Single Religion, And In Turn All Religions Assist Us In Our Battle. I Could As Easily Have Gone For Help To A Jewish Synagogue Or A Shinto Temple, Or – Ah. Here It Is.

Fighting

Long

Greek

I Care About You," Simon Said. "i Always Cared About You.

Care

I Care

Said

Hey," Said Jace. Who Was Sitting On An Overturned Speaker, Looking At His Cellphone, "do You Want To See A Photo Of Alec And Magnus In Berlin?" "not Really," Said Simon. "magnus Is Wearing Lederhosen." "and Yet, Still No.

Sitting

Hey

Want

And Of Course Charlotte Hasn't Eaten A Bit Of Dinner," Henry Said, Getting Up. "i'll Go See If Bridget Can't Make Her Up A Plate Of Cold Chicken. As For The Rest Of You-" He Paused For A Moment, As If He Were About To Give Them An Order-send Them To Bed, Perhaps, Or Back To The Library To Do More Research. The Moment Passed, And A Look Of Puzzlement Crossed His Face. "blast It, I Can't Remember What I Was Going To Say," He Announced, And Vanished Into The Kitchen.

Order

Giving

Kitchen

She Was Glad She Had Been Scarred. She Said That Whoever Loved Her Now Would Love Her True Self, And Not Her Pretty Face.

Self

Faces

Said

If There Was One Thing She Was Learning From All This, It Was How Easy It Was To Lose Everything You Had Always Thought You'd Have Forever.

Forever

Easy

One Thing

What Are You? The Voice Came From Nowhere. It Was In The Room. It Was Outside. It Was In Magnus's Head. "a Warlock," Magnus Answered. "and What Are You?" We Are Many. "please Do Not Say You Are A Legion. Someone's Taken That." Do You Make Mirth From Mundane Scriptures, Warlock? "just Breaking The Ice

Taken

Ice

Rooms

Keep Up," Said An Irritable Voice In Her Ear. It Was Jace, Who Had Dropped Back To Walk Beside Her. "i Don't Want To Have To Keep Looking Behind Me To Make Sure Nothing's Happened To You." "so Don't Bother." "last Time I Left You Alone, A Demon Attacked You," He Pointed Out. "well, I'd Certainly Hate To Interrupt Your Pleasant Night Stroll With My Sudden Death." He Blinked. "there Is A Fine Line Between Sarcasm And Outright Hostility, And You Seem To Have Crossed It.

Hate

Sarcasm

Night

Wasn't It? Is Loyalty Still A Commendable Quality When It Is Misdirected?

Loyalty

Quality

Clockwork Princess

I Think I Like ‘mundane’ Better Than ‘bloodsucker,’” Simon Muttered. “with Jace, You Don’t Really Get To Choose Your Insulting Nickname.” -simon And Clary, Pg.234-

Thinking

Insulting

Nicknames

Investigation?" Isabelle Laughed. "now We're Detectives? Maybe We Should All Have Code Names." "good Idea," Said Jace. "i Shall Be Baron Hotschaft Von Hugenstein.

Humor

Names

Ideas

It Doesn't Matter How Many Times You Say It. It'll Still Be True.' 'and It Doesn't Matter What You Won't Let Me Say, That'll Still Be True Too.

Matter

Being True

Let Me

Tess, Tess, Tessa. Was There Ever A More Beautiful Sound Than Your Name? To Speak It Aloud Makes My Heart Ring Like A Bell. Strange To Imagine That, Isn’t It—a Heart Ringing? But When You Touch Me, That Is What It Is Like, As If My Heart Is Ringing In My Chest And The Sound Shivers Down My Veins And Splinters My Bones With Joy.

Beautiful

Heart

Names

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

Would You?” Said Gabriel To Will, Hotly. “if It Was Your Family?” His Lip Curled. “never Mind. It’s Not As If You Know The Meaning Of Loyalty —” “gabriel.” Gideon’s Voice Was A Reprimand To His Brother. “do Not Speak To Will In That Manner.

Loyalty

Brother

Voice

Are You Threatening To Kidnap Me?" "if You Want To Look At It That Way," Jace Said, "yes.

Looks

Want

Way

The Surface Of The Pond Was Green With Fallen Leaves. "how Could You Have Been Happy There? I Know What You Thought, But Valentine Was A Terrible Father. He Killed Your Pets, Lied To You, And I Know He Hit You- Don't Even Try To Pretend He Didn't." A Flicker Of A Smile Ghosted Across Jace's Face. "only On Alternate Thursdays.

Father

Valentine

Pet

But That Was Isabelle — If There Was A Boy Around And Blame That Needed To Be Pinned On Someone, Isabelle Would Pin It On Him

Boys

Blame

Pins

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

Brother

Do Not Seek Revenge And Call It Justice.

Revenge

Justice

Tessa Gray

I Will Add That I Do Not Believe His Admiration Of My Person, Dazzling Through I Am, To Be Sincere. He Told Me I Was A Beautiful, Sparkling Lady.

Beautiful

Believe

Add

When Will Truly Wants Something,” Said Jem, Quietly, “when He Feels Something — He Can Break Your Heart.

Heart

Want Something

Break

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

I'll Just Have Them Change The Entry In The Demonology Textbook From 'almost Extinct' To 'not Extinct Enough For Alec. He Prefers His Monsters Really, Really Extinct.' Will That Make You Happy?

Humor

Monsters

Textbooks

She Smiled At Him. “how Did You Know Just What I’d Want To See?” “how Could I Not?” He Said. “when I Think Of You, And You Are Not There, I See You In My Mind’s Eye Always With A Book In Your Hand.” He Looked Away From Her As He Said It, But Not Before She Caught The Slight Flush On His Cheekbones. He Was So Pale, He Could Never Hide Even The Least Blush, She Thought — And Was Surprised How Affectionate The Thought Was.

Book

Eye

Thinking

It Is Not Easy To Be Different, And Even Less So To Be Unique.

Unique

Different

Easy

This Was A Voice That Drew Out Memories Stretched Thin By Years Of Recollection, Like Paper Unfolded And Refolded Too Many Times. A Voice That Brought Back, Like A Wave, The Memory Of Another Time On This Bridge, A Night So Long Ago, Everything Black And Silver And The River Rushing Away Under Her Feet.

Memories

Princess

Night

As Dull As Nate Gray Is," Will Said, "his Head Is Not Actually Filled With Gears, Henry. He's A Human.

Gears

Dull

Said

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

Soul

Earth

Sometimes

It’s Like A Cotillion, This Partners Business, Except With Killing.” “so, Exactly Like A Cotillion,” Said Simon.

Cotillion

Killing

Partners

Everything Changes In My Life, And The World Stays The Same.

World

Changing My Life

My Darling, You Are Indisposed! You Must Remain Abed For The Next Eight Months. Little Buford - " "i Am Not Naming Our Child Buford.

Children

Eight

Littles

Flirting? We Were Merely Indulging In A Little Risqué Conversation," Magnus Said, Offended. "when I Begin To Flirt, I Assure You The Entire Room Will Know. My Flirtations Cause Sensations.

Flirting

Littles

Rooms

He Made A Sound Like A Choked Laughed Before He Reached Out And Pulled Her Into Her Arms. She Was Aware Of Luke Watching Them From The Window, But She Shut Her Eyes Resolutely And Buried Her Face Against Jace's Shoulder. He Smelled Of Salt And Blood, And Only When His Mouth Came Close To Her Ear Did She Understand What He Was Saying, And It Was The Simplest Litany Of All: Her Name, Just Her Name.

Eye

Blood

Names

I Think You Ought To Let Me Take Poor Tessa Into Town To Get Some New Clothes. Otherwise, The First Time She Takes A Deep Breath, That Dress Will Fall Right Off Her." Will Looked Interested. "i Think She Should Try That Out Now And See What Happens.

Fall

Thinking

Clothes

She Threw The Door Open. The Room Seemed To Be A Sort Of Library, The Walls Lined With Books. It Was Brightly Lit, Light Streaming Through A Tall Picture Window. In The Middle Of The Room Stood Jace. He Wasn't Alone, Though-not By A Long Shot. There Was A Dark-haired Girl With Him, A Girl Clary Had Never Seen Before, And The Two Of Them Were Locked Together In A Passionate Embrace

Girl

Wall

Book

The World Is The Same But You Are Different

Different

World

We Don't Require Luck," Said Will, "we Have A Heavenly Mandate, After All. With God On Your Side, What Does Luck Matter?

Your Side

Luck

Doe

Why Don't We Talk About Your Love Life? Clary Countered. "what About You And Alec?" "alec Refuses To Acknowledge That We Have A Relationship, And So I Refuse To Acknowledge Him. He Sent Me A Fire Message Asking For A Favor The Other Day. It Was Addressed To 'warlock Bane' As If I Were A Perfect Stranger. He's Still Hung Up On Jace, I Think, Though That Relationship Will Never Go Anywhere. A Problem I Imagine You Know Nothing About.

Love Life

Thinking

Fire

I Never Said That. I Just Didn't Correct You When You Were, You Know, Wrong. Anyway, I Just Saved You From Being Burned To Death, So I Figure You're Not Allowed To Be Mad." -jace

Mad

Jace

Figures

Crying Wouldn't Help Anything Now.

Helping

Cry

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

The Nephilim - The Bogeyman For Monsters, And All Those Who Could Be Monsters.

Monsters

Nephilim

If You're Texting Magnus To Say 'i Think U R Kewl' I'm Going To Kill You

Thinking

Texting

Warlocks

Henry," Said Charlotte, Who Appeared To Have Recovered From Her Shock, "if You Set Yourself On Fire Deliberately, I Will Institute Divorce Proceedings. Now Sit Down And Eat Your Supper. And Say Hello To Our Guest.

Divorce

Fire

Guests

He Was Will, In All His Perfect Imperfection; Will, Whose Heart Was As Easy To Break As It Was Carefully Guarded; Will, Who Loved Not Wisely But Entirely And With Everything He Had.

Heart

Perfect

Easy

Magnus Had A List Of Favored Traits In A Partner-black Hair, Blue Eyes, Honest.

Eye

Hair

Blue

I Think' She Said, Choosing Her Words With Care, ; That Any Good Impulse Can Be Twisted Into Something Evil.

Thinking

Evil

Care

What Happened To You?” Jace Looked Affronted. “what Happened To Me?” Alec Shook Him, Not Lightly. “you Said You Were Going For A Walk! What Kind Of Walk Takes Six Hours?” “a Long One?” Jace Suggested.

Long

Six

Kind

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

We're Not Dating," Alec Said Again. "oh?" Magnus Said. "so You're Just That Friendly With Everybody, Is That It?

Dating

Friendly

Magnus Bane

How Strange To Have The Power To Literally Transform Yourself Into Other People, And Yet Be So Unable To Put Yourself In Their Place.

People

Strange

She Turned To Look At Sebastian, Lying On The Bed. He Was Shirtless, And Even In The Dim Light The Old Whip Weals Across His Back Were Visible. She Had Always Been Fascinated By Shadowhunters But Had Never Thought She Would Find One Whose Personality She Could Stand For More Than Five Minutes, Until Sebastian.

Lying

Light

Personality

Only Jace, Clary Thought, Could Look Cool In Pajama Bottoms And An Old T-shirt, But He Pulled It Off, Probably Through Sheer Force Of Will. -pg. 329-

Looks

Force Of Will

T Shirt

My Boyfriend Always Says That If It Weren't For Him I'd Probably Get Rid Of My Apartment And Live Nowhere, And He's Right.

My Boyfriend

Apartment

Ifs

And When Jace Was Ten Years Old, Valentine Killed Him. Michael, I Mean." "that Sounds Like Something He Would Do," Said Luke. His Tone Was Neutral, But There Was Something In His Voice That Made Clary Look At Him Sideways. Did He Not Believe Her? "jace Saw Him Die, " She Added, As If To Bolster Her Claim. "that's Awful," Said Luke. "poor Messed-up Kid.

Valentine

Believe

Mean

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

At The Time I Thought What I Had With You And Your Mother Was Better Than Nothing. But If You Can't Tell The Truth To The People You Care About The Most, Eventually You Stop Being Able To Tell The Truth To Yourself.

Mother

People

Care

We May Not Be All That Bright, Jace Said, But At Least We Are Alive.

Alive

May

Jace

Th-there," She Sobbed. "it Dragged Him To The Italian Gardens. He Managed To Elude Its Maw At First, But It Harried Him Through The Paths. No Matter How Much I Screamed, It Would Not Put Him D-down!" She Burst Into A Fresh Wave Of Tears. "you Screamed," Will Said. "is That All You Did?" "i Screamed A Great Deal,." Tatiana Sounded Injured. She Drew Fully Away From Will And Fixed Him With A Green Gaze. "i See You Are As Ungenerous As You Ever Were.

Garden

Italian

Tears

What You Said Was True. We Don't Live Or Love In A Vacuum. There Are People Around Us Who Care About Us Who Would Be Hurt, Maybe Destroyed If We Let Ourselves Feel What We Might Want To Feel.

Hurt

People

Vacuums

Going Round And Around Inside A Dryer Can Be Fatal, Whereas Pasta Is Rarely Fatal. Unless Isabelle Makes It.

Humorous

Pasta

Rounds

It Is What Is Left To Him," Said Will. "do You Not Recall What He Says To Lucie? 'if It Had Been Possible... That You Could Have Returned The Love Of The Man You See Before Yourself- Flung Away, Wasted, Drunken, Poor Creature Of Misure As You Know Him To Be- He Would Have Been Conscious This Day And Hour, In Spite Of His Happiness, That He Would Bring You Misery, Bring You To Sorrow And Repetance, Blight You, Disgrace You, Pull You Down With Him

Men

Sorrow

Misery

But I Will Never Have A Bride.

Brides

He Bent Down To Her; Their Mouths Met Again, And The Shock Of Sensation Was So Strong, So Overpowering, That She Shut Her Eyes Against It As If She Could Hide In The Darkness. He Murmured And Gathered Her Against Him.

Strong

Eye

Darkness

Also, I'm Sleeping With Your Mom. Just Thought You Should Know.

Mom

Humorous

Sleep

"is Standing By The Window Muttering About Blood Something He Does All The Time?" Asked Simon. "no," Jace Said. "sometimes He Sits On The Couch And Does It."

Blood

Doe

Silhouettes

Lord Raziel. Surely Yoy Would Not Have Allowed Such A Thing As A Ritual By Wich You Might Be Summoned To Exist If You Did Not Intend To Be Summoned. We Nephilim Are Your Children. We Need Your Guidance

Children

Nephilim

Needs

Another Vampire Pushed Her Way Through The Crowd To Stand At His Side—a Pretty Blue-haired Asian Girl In A Silver Foil Skirt. Clary Wondered If There Were Any Ugly Vampires, Or Maybe Any Fat Ones. Maybe They Didn't Make Vampires Out Of Ugly People. Or Maybe Ugly People Just Didn't Want To Live Forever.

Girl

Blue

People

We Are Chained To This Life By A Chain Of Gold, And We Dare Not Sever It For Fear Of What Lies Beyond The Drop.

Lying

Gold

Immortality

Oh, Good. You're Starting To Talk About Yourself In The Third Person. That's Not A Sign Of Impending Megalomania Or Anything.

Third Person

Starting

About Yourself

Don't." Clary Raised A Warning Hand. "i'm Not Really In The Mood Right Now." "that's Got To Be The First Time A Girl's Ever Said That To Me," Jace Mused.

Girl

Hands

Warning

And Who Are All These People? There Weren't This Many When I Fell Asleep." Alfie Shrugged, Indicating That The Universe Was Mysterious And Nothing Would Ever Be Fully Understood.

People

Mysterious

Alfie

It's All Right To Love Someone Who Doesn't Love You Back, As Long As They're Worth You Loving Them. As Long As They Deserve It.

Love You

Long

Clockwork Angel

He Gazed Amusedly Down The Table At Tessa. “you’re The Shape-changer, Aren’t You?” He Said. “magnus Bane Told Me About You. No Mark On You At All, They Say.” Tessa Swallowed And Looked Him Straight In The Eye. They Were Discordantly Human Eyes, Ordinary In His Extraordinary Face. “no. No Mark.” He Grinned Around His Fork. “i Do Suppose They’ve Looked Everywhere?” “i’m Sure Will’s Tried,” Said Jessamine In A Bored Tone.

Eye

Bored

Ordinary

I Saw Jonathan After He Faced The Fear Demon, You Know. It Showed Itself To Him As You. That Told Me All I Needed To Know. The Greatest Fear In Jonathan’s Life Is The Love He Feels For His Sister.

Greatest Fear

Saws

Life Is

Love Makes You A Liar.

Liars

It Is The Mundanes Who Look At Me And See Something They Do Not Understand—a Boy Who Is Not Quite White And Not Quite Foreign Either." "just As I Am Not Human, And Not Demon Either," Tessa Said Softly. His Eyes Softened. "you Are Human," He Said. "never Think You Are Not. I Have Seen You With Your Brother; I Know How You Care For Him. If You Can Feel Hope, Guilt, Sorrow, Love—then You Are Human.

Brother

Eye

Boys

I Feel Myself Dissolving, Vanishing Into Nothingness, For If There Is No One In The World Who Cares For You, Do You Really Exist At All?

Who Cares

World

Vanishing

It's Will," She Said. "he's Being Absolutely Ridiculous In The Dining Room." Charlotte Looked Puzzled. "how Is This Different From Him Being Totally Ridiculous In The Library Or The Weapons Room Or Any Of The Other Places He's Usually Ridiculous?

Library

Dining

Different

There Was Something About Jace, Though, That Made Her Want To Push Him, Crack That Shell Of Cynicism And Make Him Admit Her Believed Something, Felt Something, Cared About Anythinng At All.

Cracks

Shells

Want

I Fell In Love With You," He Said, "because You Were One Of The Bravest People I've Ever Known. So How Could I Ask You To Stop Being Brave Just Because I Loved You?

Love You

People

Brave

You Can Never Love Me.

She Could Ask For Anything, She Thought Dizzily, Anything--an End To Pain Or World Hunger Or Disease, Or For Peace On Earth. But Then Again, Perhaps These Things Weren't In The Power Of Angels To Grant, Or They Would Already Have Been Granted. And Perhaps People Were Supposed To Find These Things For Themselves.

Pain

Angel

People

And The Gold Of Her Ruined Wedding Dress.

Gold

Dresses

Wedding Dress

That Was The Justice Of Heaven. I Trust That You Are Not Dismayed.

Justice

Heaven

Dismayed

She Had Never Asked Herself Whether It Cost Him Any Effort. Any Effort To Stand Between Will And The World, Protecting Each One Of Them From The Other.

Effort

Cost

World

But They Love Each Other. Isn't That What Love Means? That You're Supposed To Be There For The Other Person To Turn To, No Matter What?

Mean

Matter

Turns

Well, I'm Certainly Not Ragnor Fell The Exotic Dancer.

Dancer

Exotic

Magnus Bane

The Two Are Now Bound Inextricably. Should One Die, The Other Will Follow. No Wepon In This World Can Wound Only One Of Them

Two

World

Should

People Aren't Born Good Or Bad. Maybe They're Born With Tendencies Either Way, But It's The Way You Live Your Life That Matters. And The People You Know. Valentine Was Hodge's Friend, And I Don't Think Hodge Really Had Anyone Else In His Life To Challenge Him Or Make Him Be A Better Person. If I'd Had That Life, I Don't Know How I Would Have Turned Out. But I Didn't. I Have My Family. And I Have You.

Valentine

Thinking

People

What Are You Thinking?" "just How Different Everything Down There Is Now, You Know, Now That I Can See." "everything Down There Is Exactly The Same," He Said. "you're The One That's Different.

Thinking

Different

Said

Yes...and I'm Worried That If You Get Into The Habit Of Making Out With Your Instructors, You'll Wind Up Making Out With Him Too." "don't Be Sexist. They Could Find Me A Female Instructor." "in That Case, You Have My Permission To Make Out With Her As Long As I Can Watch.

Wind

Long

Female

Clary: Now That I'm In Your Mind, Want To See Some Mental Pictures Of Jace? Simon: I Heard That And No... You've Seen Him Naked? Clary: Well Not Entirely But- Simon: Enough

Mind

Naked

Want

As Long As There Is Love And Memory, There Is No True Loss.

Memories

Loss

Long

I Love You Clary. More Then I Ever-- God. More Than I Probably Should. You Know That, Don't You?

Love You

Should

Knows

Tell Me,” Isabelle Said.“who It Was. That My Father Had The Affair With.

Father

Affair

Lost Souls

Pain Is Only What You Allow It To Be

Pain

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.

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