For a moment we glared at each other, stubborn as cats on the stable wall, full of mutual resentment and something darker, the old sense between sisters that there is only really room in the world for one girl. The sense that every fight could be to the death.

For a moment we glared at each other, stubborn as cats on the stable wall, full of mutual resentment and something darker, the old sense between sisters that there is only really room in the world for one girl. The sense that every fight could be to the death.

📖 Philippa Gregory

🌍 British  |  👨‍💼 Writer

(0 Reviews)

This quote vividly captures the intense and often tumultuous relationship that can exist between siblings, especially sisters. The imagery of being 'stubborn as cats on the stable wall' evokes a sense of resilience and obstinacy, highlighting how deeply ingrained these rivalries and rivalries can be. The mention of mutual resentment and something darker hints at underlying emotions that go beyond mere disagreement—perhaps jealousy, competition, or long-standing grievances that fester beneath the surface. The phrase 'there is only really room in the world for one girl' underscores the fierce competition and the perception that sibling relationships can sometimes feel like a zero-sum game, where one’s success or happiness might come at the expense of another. This idea resonates with many real-life familial dynamics, where loyalty and love are intertwined with rivalry and conflict. The line 'every fight could be to the death' dramatizes the stakes, suggesting that these conflicts are not trivial but rather existential struggles for identity and recognition within the family hierarchy. Such relationships are complex; they involve both love and rivalry, admiration and resentment, coexisting painfully. Gregory’s portrayal reflects the universal truth that sibling relationships are often the most intense because they deal with the core of one’s identity and self-worth, shaped in the crucible of shared history and unspoken expectations. This quote reminds us that behind every sibling quarrel lies a deeper emotional landscape that defines human bonds and conflicts.

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July 06, 2025

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