What Does Nemo Me Impune Lacessit Really Mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the meaning and implications of the Latin phrase "Nemo me impune lacessit," exploring its interpretations and contexts, including its use as a motto in literature and its cultural significance. Participants delve into its meanings in both a general sense and specific literary references.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Literary analysis

Main Points Raised

  • One participant interprets the phrase as meaning "no one can attack me with impunity," seeking clarification on its implications.
  • Another suggests it conveys a warning that those who attack will face consequences, describing it as a "macho brag."
  • A different viewpoint highlights its use as the motto of the Montresor family in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," linking it to themes of revenge.
  • A participant expresses confusion over specific statements from Montresor's narration, seeking further explanation of their meanings.
  • One participant emphasizes that the phrase implies a guarantee of retribution, stating that no one escapes consequences in the context of vendetta.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the phrase, with some agreeing on its implications of retribution while others focus on its literary context. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the deeper meanings of the statements from Montresor's narration.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific literary texts and their interpretations, which may depend on individual readings and cultural understandings of the phrase. Some assumptions about the context of the motto and its implications are not fully explored.

franz32
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Hello everyone! This Latin words "Nemo me impune lacessit" means no can attack me with impunity. What does it mean by it... I don't understand.
 
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It's one of the mottos of Scotland. It means if you try to attack me, you'll suffer. Macho brag.
 
It is the motto of the Montresor family in Poe's The Cask of Amontillado. There, revenge is indeed served cold.

http://www.literature.org/authors/poe-edgar-allan/amontillado.html
 
More...

So, that's what the motto means... now I get it.

SOme statements that bothered me were found in the first paragraph of Montresor's narration:

1. I must not only punish, but punish with impunity.

2. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to himwho has done the wrong.

Still, I don't understand these statements... I hope someone can help me.
 
The sense is:
You don't get me without getting it back.

The impune applies to the nemo. So, nobody gets away with it, as far as this family is concerned. Vendetta is guaranteed.
 

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