Meaning: The quote "A cruel story runs on wheels, and every hand oils the wheels as they run" by Ouida, also known as Maria Louise Rame, is a powerful and thought-provoking statement about the perpetuation of cruelty and suffering in society. Ouida was a popular English novelist in the 19th century, known for her romantic and melodramatic stories. Her works often delved into social issues and the impact of societal norms on individuals, making her a unique and influential voice in Victorian literature.

In this particular quote, Ouida uses the metaphor of a story running on wheels to illustrate how cruelty and injustice are perpetuated in society. The image of a story running on wheels suggests a relentless and unstoppable force, while the idea of every hand oiling the wheels implies that everyone in society plays a part in perpetuating cruelty and suffering. This quote highlights the collective responsibility that individuals have in either perpetuating or combating injustice and cruelty.

Ouida's choice of words is particularly striking, as she uses the term "oils" to suggest that individuals not only passively contribute to the perpetuation of cruelty but actively enable and facilitate its continuation. The use of the word "oils" also implies a sense of complicity and collusion, suggesting that individuals knowingly or unknowingly contribute to the continuation of cruelty in society.

The quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the systemic nature of cruelty and injustice. Ouida suggests that these negative forces are not merely the result of isolated incidents or the actions of a few individuals, but instead are deeply ingrained within the fabric of society. The metaphor of the story running on wheels conveys the idea that cruelty and suffering are perpetuated through a continuous and interconnected series of actions, attitudes, and societal structures.

Furthermore, the quote also speaks to the idea of accountability and the role of individuals in shaping the course of society. Ouida's assertion that "every hand oils the wheels" emphasizes the collective responsibility that individuals hold in either perpetuating or challenging the status quo. By highlighting the complicit role of every individual, Ouida underscores the importance of self-reflection and action in addressing cruelty and injustice.

In conclusion, Ouida's quote is a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of cruelty and suffering in society. By using the metaphor of a story running on wheels, she captures the relentless and interconnected nature of these negative forces, while also emphasizing the collective responsibility of individuals in either perpetuating or challenging them. Ouida's words serve as a powerful call to action, urging individuals to critically examine their own role in the perpetuation of cruelty and to actively work towards creating a more just and compassionate society.