How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I start to speak, but Rurayya interrupts me. "Why is he so cruel, Jaha?"
How many times have I pondered this question? A hundred? A thousand?
"The Emperor," I reply, still somewhat unsure of the answer, "always felt unloved. He was mistaken, but that didn't matter, for when you deem yourself unloved your world is quite cold. At first there's jealousy, then bitterness, then hate. And hatred soured Alamgir's heart." (Part I.21)
And as we all know, hatred goes hand in hand with seeking revenge against those who have seemingly wronged you, right? Well, at least in the case of literary villains it does. We don't know many people who've actually sought revenge in real life…we don't think…
Quote #2
Shrieking in rage, I swung my fist as I'd seen fighting men do. I aimed for his nose, but he twisted quickly and I managed only to strike the side of his cheek. A copper ring on my thumb opened a cut under his eye. When a drop of blood tumbled down his face and fell into the water, he slapped me. The blow was loud and a few women looked at us from the shore.
Aurangzeb's lips drew back to reveal his teeth. "You'll regret that," he promised, quoting a verse from the Qur'an that spoke of vengeance. (2.95)
Some people have an amazing capacity for holding on to rage. In Aurangzeb's case, he never lets a slight against him go unpunished, and that spells major trouble for Jahanara. Can you imagine having a sibling like that?
Quote #3
Balkhi laughed at my frailty. "Unwise, so unwise to spit at him. He—"
"Hold your tongue," Dara demanded, his voice lacking vigor.
Balkhi fingered the hilt of the sword. "The weakling on the throne won't live forever. And when he dies, I'll use the gelding blade on you both. I'll use it slowly." The warrior spat at my feet and walked away.
If my brother were a warrior, he might have killed Balkhi then. If I were a man, I'd have tried, for I understood the peril I faced. Aurangzeb's honor was slighted today, and he would not rest until I suffered. Alas, Dara remained still. And I was no man. (7.44)
Balkhi and Aurangzeb are both pretty big on making threats of revenge. "You'll regret that"? "When your dad dies, I'll get you"? Sheesh. It's like no one taught these fools how to secretly plot revenge, like smart people do.