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About this quote

What does it mean?
The widow accused the speaker of flogging her, but he claims she did it to herself.
In plain terms
She lied about being beaten by me; she did it herself.
What can you take from it?
Accusations can be self-inflicted or fabricated.

Where it applies

  • court testimony
  • personal conflict
  • historical record

Putting it to work

  • question motives
  • verify claims
  • seek corroboration

Questions to consider

  • Why might someone accuse another of harm they caused themselves?
  • How do we verify physical abuse claims?

Another view

Self-harm is complex and attributing it solely to deception oversimplifies trauma.

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