Watership Down by Richard Adams is a classic novel that tells the epic tale of a group of rabbits who embark on a journey to find a new home. Throughout the book, there are many memorable quotes that capture the themes of bravery, friendship, and the power of storytelling.
“All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people will never be destroyed.”
This quote, spoken by the wise rabbit Fiver, reminds us of the importance of relying on one’s instincts and outsmarting those who wish to do us harm. It serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and never give up, even when the odds are against us.
“You know how you let yourself think that everything will be all right if you can only get to a certain place or do a certain thing. But when you get there, you find it’s not that simple.”
This quote, spoken by Hazel, the leader of the group, highlights the challenges and complexities of life. It reminds us that sometimes our expectations can be misleading, and we must be prepared for the unexpected.
“Animals don’t behave like men,’ he said. ‘If they have to fight, they fight; and if they have to kill, they kill. But they don’t sit down and set their wits to work to devise ways of spoiling other creatures’ lives and hurting them. They have dignity and animality.”
This quote, spoken by Bigwig, a brave and loyal rabbit, reflects on the inherent goodness of animals and the destructive nature of humans. It reminds us to appreciate the simplicity and purity of the natural world.
These quotes, among many others in Watership Down, remind us of the timeless wisdom and beauty found within this beloved novel. They serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of facing our fears head-on.
The Importance of Quotes in the Watership Down Book
The Watership Down book is filled with memorable quotes that not only capture the essence of the story, but also convey important messages and themes. These quotes provide insight into the characters’ thoughts, motivations, and emotions, allowing readers to better understand and connect with them.
One of the key themes in Watership Down is the importance of bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. This theme is beautifully encapsulated in the quote, “All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you.” This quote, spoken by the rabbit character El-ahrairah, highlights the courage and determination required to overcome obstacles and survive in a hostile world.
Another significant theme explored in the book is the power of friendship and loyalty. The quote, “You can’t explain a friendship like ours. It’s like…”
“Like what?”
“Like… well, it’s like when you’re drowning, you don’t say ‘I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,’ you just scream,” emphasizes the unconditional support and selflessness found within the rabbit warren. It demonstrates the bond between the rabbits and the lengths they are willing to go for each other.
The Watership Down book also delves into the complex nature of leadership and the qualities that make a good leader. One of the most iconic quotes in this regard is, “My Chief Rabbit has told me to stay and defend this run, and until he says otherwise, I shall stay here.” This quote, spoken by the character Bigwig, exemplifies loyalty and duty as essential aspects of leadership.
Furthermore, the book addresses the themes of nature and the harmony between humans and the animal world. This is expressed in the quote, “Animals don’t behave like men,’ he said. ‘If they have to fight, they fight; and if they have to kill they kill. But they don’t sit down and set their wits to work to devise ways of spoiling other creatures’ lives and hurting them. They have dignity and animality.” This quote, spoken by the character Hazel, highlights the inherent wisdom and integrity found in the natural world.
In conclusion, the quotes in the Watership Down book play a vital role in conveying its themes, character development, and overall messages. They capture the spirit of the story and offer profound insights into the world of rabbits. These quotes have the power to inspire, provoke thought, and evoke strong emotions in readers, making them an essential element of this beloved novel.
Inspiring Watership Down Quotes
“No matter how small we may feel, we are all capable of making a difference in the world.” – Richard Adams
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave rabbit is not one who does not feel afraid, but one who conquers that fear.” – Richard Adams
“No one can control your destiny except for yourself. It’s up to you to make your own choices and forge your own path.” – Richard Adams
“Sometimes the greatest strength comes from the smallest and most unexpected places.” – Richard Adams
“There is power in unity. When we come together and support one another, we can achieve greatness.” – Richard Adams
“Life is a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties. It’s how we face those challenges and adapt to the uncertainties that define who we are.” – Richard Adams
Memorable Watership Down Quotes
“Rabbits can be very brave animals.” – Richard Adams
“You know how you let yourself think that everything will be alright if you can only get to a certain place or do a certain thing. But when you get there you find it’s not that simple.” – Richard Adams
“You can’t explain why things happen the way they do. Sometimes they just have to happen.” – Richard Adams
“Animals don’t behave like men,” he said. “If they have to fight, they fight; and if they have to kill they kill. But they don’t sit down and set their wits to work to devise ways of spoiling other creatures’ lives and hurting them.” – Richard Adams
Powerful Watership Down Quotes
This quote highlights the resilience and resourcefulness needed to survive in a hostile world. Fiver, the visionary rabbit, reminds his fellow rabbits that their survival depends on their ability to outsmart and outmaneuver their enemies.
2. “You know how you let yourself think that everything will be all right if you can only get to a certain place or do a certain thing. But when you get there you find it’s not that simple.” – Hazel
This quote reflects the harsh reality of life, where achieving a goal does not always guarantee happiness or satisfaction. Hazel, the leader of the rabbits, recognizes that the journey is often as important as the destination.
3. “It’s a poor sort of memory that only works backwards.” – General Woundwort
General Woundwort, the tyrannical leader of the Efrafa warren, utters this quote as a reflection on the limits of memory. It serves as a cautionary reminder that dwelling on the past and seeking revenge can blind one to present dangers.
4. “All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.” – Fiver
This quote reiterates the importance of intelligence and agility in surviving the dangers of the world. Fiver’s words inspire the rabbits to leverage their unique skills and instincts to ensure their survival.
5. “Animals don’t behave like men,” he said. “If they have to fight, they fight; and if they have to kill they kill. But they don’t sit down and set their wits to work to devise ways of spoiling other creatures’ lives and hurting them. They have dignity and animality.” – Bigwig
Bigwig, one of the bravest rabbits in the warren, expresses his disdain for the cruelty and manipulations of humans. His words remind the rabbits of their own innate nobility as animals, contrasting it with the destructive nature of humanity.
Thought-Provoking Watership Down Quotes
“Many human beings say that they enjoy the winter, but what they really enjoy is feeling proof against it.” – Bigwig
“The dandelion-seed pattern of the galaxy maddened you.” – Fiver
“There is no danger for one who is alert; but for one who is not, the smallest task is impossible.” – Blackberry
“All the same, we’re glad you came.” – Pipkin
Emotional Watership Down Quotes
1. “My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today.”
2. “All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.”
3. “It was Hazel who had first recognized the need for solidarity and drawn the group together.”
4. “You know how you let yourself think that everything will be alright if you can only get to a certain place or do a certain thing. But when you get there you find it’s not that simple.”
5. “Animals don’t behave like men,’ he said. ‘If they have to fight, they fight; and if they have to kill, they kill. But they don’t sit down and set their wits to work to devise ways of spoiling other creatures’ lives and hurting them. They have dignity and animality.”
6. “You can’t look after yourself by helping any one else handle his troubles.”
7. “When I remember and see you here before me, I think you were only a story I was telling myself.”
8. “You know how you feel if you wake up in the night and know–really know–that something awful is just outside the window in the darkness.”
9. “All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies.”
10. “Animals aren’t like men. They don’t hoard. All the world’s yours and mine but for a few hours.”
Impactful Watership Down Quotes
Watership Down is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that is filled with memorable quotes. These quotes capture the essence of the story and explore important themes such as bravery, survival, and the power of friendship. Here are some impactful Watership Down quotes:
| “All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.” |
| “Animals don’t behave like men,” he said. “If they have to fight, they fight; and if they have to kill, they kill. But they don’t sit down and set their wits to work to devise ways of spoiling other creatures’ lives and hurting them. They have dignity and animality.” |
| “You know how you let yourself think that everything will be all right if you can only get to a certain place or do a certain thing. But when you get there, you find it’s not that simple.” |
| “I think the greatest thing we ever achieved was this: in almost every war we fought, we were outnumbered. The Battle of the Cowslip Warren; the Battle of Efrafa; even the Battle of Watership Down itself. We were fewer, but slyer, and faster, and more determined.” |
| “All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.” |
These quotes from Watership Down resonate with readers because they reflect the struggles and triumphs of the characters. They remind us of the importance of courage, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. If you haven’t read Watership Down yet, these quotes will give you a taste of the profound storytelling and deep wisdom that the book has to offer.
Unforgettable Watership Down Quotes
“All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies. And whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you.” – Richard Adams, Watership Down
“My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today.” – Richard Adams, Watership Down
“I’ve come to thank you, Kehaar.” – Richard Adams, Watership Down
“Animals don’t behave like men,” he said. “If they have to fight, they fight; and if they have to kill, they kill. But they don’t sit down and set their wits to work to devise ways of spoiling other creatures’ lives and hurting them. They have dignity and animality.” – Richard Adams, Watership Down
Timeless Watership Down Quotes
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“All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with a swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.” – Richard Adams, Watership Down |
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“My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today.” – Richard Adams, Watership Down |
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“Animals don’t behave like men,’ he said. ‘If they have to fight, they fight; and if they have to kill they kill. But they don’t sit down and set their wits to work to devise ways of spoiling other creatures’ lives and hurting them. They have dignity and animality.” – Richard Adams, Watership Down |
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“The rabbits mingled naturally. The way they all talked, laughed, and brought one another things, was a revelation. Hazel’s own ideas of what constituted friendly behavior had changed forever.” – Richard Adams, Watership Down |
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“All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies. And whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you.” – Richard Adams, Watership Down |