"I didn't understand that sarcasm is a screen-the last refuge of shy, pure persons against those who rudely and insistently try to break into their hearts. Until the last moment, her pride prevented her from saying exactly what she felt. I should've guessed that, if only from the timid hesitation she had to overcome to make her defensive, sarcastic remark. But I didn't understand, and a nasty feeling pervaded me.
"Wait", I said to myself, "I'll show you."

-The Underground Man (Dostoyevsky)