Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb:
The pen is mightier than the sword.

• A. A pen lasts longer than a sword.
• B. You can bring about a better change through words than through violence and force.
• C. If the pen and sword were to fight, the pen would win.
• D. Pens are made with Damascus steel.

Answer 1

The correct option is B You can bring about a better change through words than through violence and force.

A proverb is a short saying that states a general truth or advice. They're popular as they are told and retold through generations, incorporated in books and stories that grandparents narrate to children. Proverbs have a deeper meaning than the one you perceive at first. The given proverb is a general truth, the written word (pen) is more powerful than war and violence (sword). This is seen throughout history; it was because of the written word (in the form of newspapers and periodicals) that India united to fight for its independence, as opposed to the divide and rule policy which the British implemented to keep the people at war with one another. Option B is the true meaning of this proverb, hence option B is correct. Options A, C, and D do not provide the right meaning of this proverb, these statements are baseless facts, hence options A, C and D are incorrect.