You have nice manners for a thief and a liar," said the dragon.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that good manners can exist even in those who engage in dishonest behavior.
In this quote from J.R.R. Tolkien, the dragon intriguingly acknowledges that even individuals who may be morally questionable, such as thieves and liars, can possess admirable qualities like good manners. This highlights the complexity of human (or dragon) nature, where positive traits can coexist with negative actions, prompting a reflection on the dualities that exist within people.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about integrity and character, especially in literature.
All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?
Go not to the Elves for counsel,_x000D_ for they will say both no and yes._x000D_ Elves seldom give unguarded advice,_x000D_ for advice is a dangerous gift,_x000D_ even from the wise to the wise,_x000D_ and all courses may run ill.
What did I tell you, Mr. Pippin?' said Sam, sheathing his sword. 'Wolves won't get him. That was an eye-opener, and no mistake! Nearly singed the hair off my head!
Under the Mountain dark and tall The King has come unto his hall! His foe is dead, the Worm of Dread, And ever so his foes shall fall. The sword is sharp, the spear is long, The arrow swift, the Gate is strong; The heart is bold that looks on gold; The dwarves no more shall suffer wrong. The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fells like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath the fells. -from The Hobbit (Dwarves Battle Song)
The chief purpose of life, for any of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks.
Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
Money for me has only one sound: liberty.
For truth is always strange; stranger than fiction.
I have this theory about words. There's a thousand ways to say "Pass the salt". It could mean, you know, "Can I have some salt?" or it could mean, "I love you.". It could mean, "I'm very annoyed with you". Really, the list could go on and on. Words are little bombs, and they have a lot of energy inside them.
I am a Negro: Black as the night is black, Black like the depths of my Africa.
If a man's at odds to know his own mind it's because he hasn't got aught but his mind to know it with.
Monsters exist because they are part of the divine plan, and in the horrible features of those same monsters the power of the creator is revealed.
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