Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Madeline Miller

Quote by Madeline Miller

Work

Circe

Browse quotes and source details for this work. more

Author

Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller

Madeline Miller is an American novelist known for her modern interpretations of Greek mythology. Born on July 24, 1978, she graduated from Princeton University and later earned a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Her works, 'The Song of Achilles' and 'Circe', have been widely acclaimed by readers. more

You May Also Like

“It is funny,’ she said, ‘That even after all this time, you still believe you should be rewarded, just because you have been obedient. I thought you would have learned that lesson in your father’s halls. None shrank and simpered as you did, and yet the great Helios stepped on you all the faster, because you were already crouched at his feet.’ She was leaning forward, her golden hair loose, embroidering the sheets around her. ‘Let me tell you the truth about Helios and all the rest. They do not care if you are good. They barely care if you are wicked. The only thing that makes them listen is power.”

FictionWomens RightsGreek MythologyWitchcraftGender EqualityGender RolesCirceSpells And Witchcraft
Book:Circe
Create image

“Still? I have never understood why helping mortals made Zeus so angry.” “Tell me,” he said, “who gives better offerings, a miserable man or a happy one?” “A happy one, of course.” “Wrong,” he said. “A happy man is too occupied with his life. He thinks he is beholden to no one. But make him shiver, kill his wife, cripple his child, then you will hear from him. He will starve his family for a month to buy you a pure-white yearling calf. If he can afford it, he will buy you a hundred.” “But surely,” I said, “you have to reward him eventually. Otherwise, he will stop offering.” “Oh, you would be surprised how long he will go on. But yes, in the end, it’s best to give him something. Then he will be happy again. And you can start over.” “So this is how Olympians spend their days. Thinking of ways to make men miserable.”

CirceHermes
Author:Madeline Miller, Circe
Create image