Edward Bulwer-Lytton: Terrible Blab
on Thursday, March 17, 2022Edward Bulwer-Lytton Money Quote saying money talks, alot – and there’s no way to escape the gossip from spreading. Edward Bulwer-Lytton said:
“Money is a terrible blab; she will betray the secrets of her owner, whatever he do to gag her. His virtues will creep out in her whisper; his vices she will cry aloud at the top of her tongue” — Edward Bulwer-Lytton
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In this quote, Edward Bulwer-Lytton is personifying money as a gossipy woman who cannot keep her owner’s secrets. The best interpretation is:
- Bulwer-Lytton portrays money as having a tendency (“will”) to expose (“betray”) the inner nature and activities (“secrets”) of whoever possesses her, no matter their attempts (“whatever he do”) to silence her.
- He suggests money will quietly reveal (“whisper”) the good qualities (“virtues”) of its owner. However, it will loudly broadcast (“cry aloud”) any bad behaviors or vices, unable to contain them.
- Bulwer-Lytton characterizes money as an indiscreet confidant who cannot help but reveal the true character of its owner through how they obtain and use it.
Overall, the quote conveys Bulwer-Lytton’s view that money has an uncontrollable transparency – through its movement it will unintentionally expose the virtues and vices of whoever controls it, like an untrustworthy gossip unable to maintain privacy.