Every island to a child is a treasure island.
P. D. JamesRead
In 1930s mysteries, all sorts of motives were credible which aren't credible today, especially motives of preventing guilty sexual secrets from coming out. Nowadays, people sell their guilty sexual secrets.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on shifting societal values regarding sexual secrets and morality over time.
P. D. James highlights the evolution of societal attitudes towards personal sexual secrets from the 1930s to today. In the past, individuals went to great lengths to hide their sexual indiscretions, often motivated by a fear of social stigma and moral judgment. However, contemporary society appears more open and accepting, leading to a situation where such secrets can even be commodified and exposed for profit, showcasing a significant change in how society views morality and sexuality.
Themes
SecretsSocietyMoralitySexualityChange
In practice
Example use cases
A discussion on changing social norms during a university lecture on ethics.
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