Yet each man kills the thing he loves,By each let this be heard,Some do it with a bitter look,Some with a flattering word,The coward does it with a kiss,The brave man with a sword!

Summary

This quote, taken from Oscar Wilde's poem "The Ballad of Reading Gaol," highlights the paradoxical nature of human relationships. It suggests that love often has destructive consequences, as each individual ultimately brings harm to the object of their affection. The quote implies that love can be killed through different means: bitterness, deception, vulnerability, or even violence. It underscores the varied ways in which people express their love and portrays how both cowardice and bravery can lead to the downfall of a cherished bond. Ultimately, the quote explores the complex and multifaceted nature of love and its potential for both joy and destruction.

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