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Atticus said that Jem was trying hard to forget something, but what he was really doing was storing it away for a while, until enough time passed. Then he would be able to think about it and sort things out. When he was able to think about it, Jem would be himself again.
Harper Lee
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of processing emotions and memories over time.

This quote illustrates the concept of emotional storage and healing. It suggests that individuals may not be ready to confront certain memories or feelings immediately; rather, they need time to process these experiences before they can fully understand and integrate them into their lives. It highlights the journey of self-discovery and the need for patience in personal growth.

Themes

EmotionsHealingMemoryTimeSelf-Discovery

In practice

Example use cases

In a workshop on personal development, highlighting this quote can remind participants that healing is a process.

More from Harper Lee

They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
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It's better to be silent than to be a fool.
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Don’t talk like that, Dill,” said Aunt Alexandra. “It’s not becoming to a child. It’s – cynical.” “I ain’t cynical, Miss Alexandra. Tellin’ the truth’s not cynical, is it?” “The way you tell it, it is.
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With him, life was routine; without him, life was unbearable.
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He turned out the light and went into Jem's room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning.
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You can choose your friends but you sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don't.
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