“Man of an hard heart! Hear me, Proud, Stern, and Cruel! You could have saved me; you could have restored me to happiness and virtue, but would not! You are the destroyer of my Soul; You are my Murderer, and on you fall the curse of my death and my unborn Infant’s! Insolent in your yet-unshaken virtue, you disdained the prayers of a Penitent; But God will show mercy, though you show none. And where is the merit of your boasted virtue? What temptations have you vanquished? Coward! you have fled from it, not opposed seduction. But the day of Trial will arrive! Oh! then when you yield to impetuous passions! when you feel that Man is weak, and born to err; When shuddering you look back upon your crimes, and solicit with terror the mercy of your God, Oh! in that fearful moment think upon me! Think upon your Cruelty! Think upon Agnes, and despair of pardon!”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis:
In this powerful quote from Matthew Gregory Lewis' novel, a character accuses another of being heartless and cruel for refusing to save her from unhappiness and restore her virtue. The speaker blames the other for her death and unborn child's, declaring them the destroyer of her soul. The quote highlights themes of moral judgment, repentance, and the consequences of denying mercy to others.
Modern Relevance
In this powerful excerpt from Matthew Gregory Lewis' work, the theme of accountability and consequences is highlighted. The notion of facing the repercussions of one's actions is a timeless and universal concept that continues to resonate in today's society. As individuals navigate through ethical dilemmas and moral choices, the idea of being responsible for the outcomes of their decisions remains crucial. The passage serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and ultimately, the impact of our actions on others.
Agnes's Curse
"Man of an hard heart! Hear me, Proud, Stern, and Cruel! You could have saved me; you could have restored me to happiness and virtue, but would not! You are the destroyer of my Soul; You are my Murderer, and on you fall the curse of my death and my unborn Infant’s! Insolent in your yet-unshaken virtue, you disdained the prayers of a Penitent; But God will show mercy, though you show none. And where is the merit of your boasted virtue? What temptations have you vanquished? Coward! you have fled from it, not opposed seduction. But the day of Trial will arrive! Oh! then when you yield to impetuous passions! when you feel that Man is weak, and born to err; When shuddering you look back upon your crimes, and solicit with terror the mercy of your God, Oh! in that fearful moment think upon me! Think upon your Cruelty! Think upon Agnes, and despair of pardon!” - Matthew Gregory Lewis
Reflection Questions
In this excerpt from Matthew Gregory Lewis' work, we see the character of Agnes expressing her deep despair and anger towards another character who has caused her suffering. As we reflect on this passage, consider the following questions:
- How does Agnes' speech challenge the idea of virtue and morality in the face of cruelty and injustice?
- Do you believe the character being addressed deserves the curse of Agnes' death and her unborn infant's death? Why or why not?
- How does Agnes' plea for mercy and justice resonate with themes of redemption and forgiveness in literature and in real life?
- In what ways does this passage highlight the complexities of human nature, particularly in the midst of intense emotions like anger and despair?
- How do you think the themes of guilt, remorse, and eventual reckoning play out in the wider context of the story being told by Matthew Gregory Lewis?
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