Theme: power dynamics
Gulliver's Travels / Morality and Justice
The emperor also confers on him some public mark of his favour, and proclamation is made of his innocence through the whole city. They look upon fraud...
Dracula / Intimacy and Control
He rubbed the brandy, as on another occasion, on her lips and gums and on her wrists and the palms of her hands. He said to me:-- “I can do this, all ...
Dracula / Social Dynamics
We once carried out a small matter of renting some chambers for him when he was the Honourable Arthur Holmwood. If you will let me have his lordship’s...
Gulliver's Travels / Courtly Rituals
A messenger was despatched half a day’s journey before us, to give the king notice of my approach, and to desire, “that his majesty would please to ap...
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes / Secrets and Reputation
Hatherley, as being a man who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet and capable of preserving a secret.’ “I bowed, feeling as ...
Gulliver's Travels / Observing Power
and, the space being so wide between that and the palace, I could easily view it on every side.
Gulliver's Travels / Savage Satire
This favourite is hated by the whole herd, and therefore, to protect himself, keeps always near the person of his leader. He usually continues in offi...
Around the World in Eighty Days / Judicial Tension
Just as the clerk was calling the next case, he rose, and said, “I offer bail.” “You have that right,” returned the judge. Fix’s blood ran cold, but h...
Dracula / Tension and Touch
The nails were long and fine, and cut to a sharp point. As the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not repress a shudder.
A Journey to the Centre of the Earth / Intimacy and Vulnerability
To my surprise, or rather to my stupefaction, he placed it to my lips. I looked at him, with, I am sure, quite an idiotic expression.
Gulliver's Travels / Surrender and Awe
The astonishment here was much greater than at the sight of my scimitar. Hundreds fell down as if they had been struck dead; and even the emperor, alt...
Gulliver's Travels / Motivations of War
Sometimes a war is entered upon, because the enemy is too strong; and sometimes, because he is too weak. Sometimes our neighbours want the things whic...
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes / Awakening Justice
The sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, and then rubbed i...
Gulliver's Travels / Courtly Chaos
One day, at dinner, this malicious little cub was so nettled with something I had said to him, that, raising himself upon the frame of her majesty’s c...
Gulliver's Travels / Justice and Mercy
He said, the friendship between you and him was so well known to the world, that perhaps the most honourable board might think him partial; however, i...
Gulliver's Travels / Authority and Illusion
He desired me to give him some account of my travels; and, to let me see that I should be treated without ceremony, he dismissed all his attendants wi...
Gulliver's Travels / Noble Education Inquiry
When I had put an end to these long discourses, his majesty, in a sixth audience, consulting his notes, proposed many doubts, queries, and objections,...
Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea / Colonial Encounters
However, on the 26th, appeased by some presents, and understanding that they had no reprisals to fear, they led M. There, in three or four fathoms of ...
Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea / Chase of the Cetacean
The _Abraham Lincoln_, propelled by her wonderful screw, went straight at the animal. The latter allowed it to come within half a cable’s length; then...
The War of the Worlds / Destruction and Indifference
Two days after I was imprisoned it had been destroyed, with every soul in it, by a Martian. He had swept it out of existence, as it seemed, without an...
Dracula / Breaking Boundaries
Suddenly the door was burst open, and in rushed my patient, with his face distorted with passion. I was thunderstruck, for such a thing as a patient g...
Dracula / Vigilance and Appearance
He will need very careful watching, and much attention. I shall stay with you myself; but I shall first dress myself.
Gulliver's Travels / Political Ambition
The worst mark you can receive is a promise, especially when it is confirmed with an oath; after which, every wise man retires, and gives over all hop...