“The Wart’s own special one was called Cavall, and he happened to be licking Cavall’s nose - not the other way about - when Merlyn came in and found him. That will be regarded as an unsanitary habit,” said Merlyn, “though I cannot see it myself. After all, God made the creature’s nose just as well as he made your tongue.”
Modern Relevance
In this quote from T.H. White's "The Once and Future King," Merlyn challenges the notion of what is considered "unsanitary" by pointing out the naturalness of a dog licking a human's nose. This idea of questioning societal norms and challenging preconceived notions of cleanliness still holds relevance today in our modern world.
Quote Analysis
In this quote from T.H. White's The Once and Future King, Merlyn makes a comment on how humans often judge animals for behaviors they themselves might find strange or disgusting. The scene is a humorous one, as the young Wart is shown licking his dog's nose instead of the other way around. Merlyn's observation that "God made the creature's nose just as well as he made your tongue" serves as a reminder that all creatures are equal in the eyes of their creator. This quote highlights the theme of equality and challenges the reader to question their assumptions about what is considered normal or acceptable behavior.
Example of Usage
In this quote from T.H. White's "The Once and Future King," Merlyn comments on the relationship between The Wart and his special pet, Cavall. The whimsical and philosophical perspective of Merlyn is evident as he questions societal norms and the natural instincts of animals.
Reflection Questions:
Upon reading the quote from T.H White's "The Once and Future King," consider the following reflection questions:
- How does this quote challenge your own perceptions and biases about what is considered "unsanitary" or unacceptable behavior?
- Reflect on the idea that all creatures, including animals, are created by a higher power. How does this perspective influence your attitude towards animals and nature?
- In what ways can you apply the message of acceptance and understanding from this quote to your own interactions with animals and the natural world?
- How does this quote speak to the importance of empathy and respect towards all living beings, regardless of societal norms or expectations?
Similar quotes
“I am an anarchist, like any other sensible person.~ Merlyn”
“If I were to be made a knight," said the Wart, staring dreamily into the fire, "I should insist on doing my vigil by myself, as Hob does with his hawks, and I should pray to God to let me encounter all the evil in the world in my own person, so that if I conquered there would be none left, and, if I were defeated, I would be the one to suffer for it.""That would be extremely presumptuous of you," said Merlyn, "and you would be conquered, and you would suffer for it.""I shouldn't mind.""Wouldn't you? Wait till it happens and see.""Why do people not think, when they are grown up, as I do when I am young?""Oh dear," said Merlyn. '"You are making me feel confused. Suppose you wait till you are grown up and know the reason?""I don't think that is an answer at all," replied the Wart, justly.Merlyn wrung his hands."Well, anyway," he said, "suppose they did not let you stand against all the evil in the world?""I could ask," said the Wart."You could ask," repeated Merlyn.He thrust the end of his beard into his mouth, stared tragically into the fire, and began to munch it fiercely.”
“When I put my hand on his head,he stepped onto the couch and raised his face to my own. We stared at each other for a few seconds and then slowly,Tuesday licked me. Yes,on the lips...and the chin...and the nose...slobbering all over my face with that big slow-moving tongue. That's the moment when Tuesday,after all his caution,stopped just being my service dog,and my emotional support,and my conversation piece. That's when he became my friend.”
“He made himself and what he made is one damn fine man. I am so proud to call him my brother I am bursting with it when I see him.”
“God help him if any of them ever came true. Why, he'd be a two-headed, three-toed, monkey-nosed, blind son of a cesspit-licking lackey is she had her way.”