Don't you ever think,' he asked cautiously, 'that it would be better to be a bully than to be bullied? At least that way no one could ever hurt you.' Katarina turned to him in amazement. 'No,' she said definitively, shaking her head. 'No Pieter, I never think that, not for a moment.
"Don't you ever think," he asked cautiously, "that it would be better to be a bully than to be bullied? At least that way no one could ever hurt you." This question reveals a common fear of vulnerability and a desire for control, suggesting that some believe dominance can shield them from pain.
Katarina responded with a firm and decisive "No," showing her belief that choosing to be a bully is not the answer. She clearly values kindness and integrity over power, emphasizing that hurting others is not a solution to avoid being hurt oneself. Her stance highlights the importance of empathy and moral strength.