They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
Harper LeeRead
She knew full well the enormity of her offense, but because her desires were stronger than the code she was breaking, she persisted in breaking it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote illustrates the struggle between personal desires and moral codes.
In this quote, Harper Lee reflects on the conflict that arises when an individual's desires overpower their understanding of ethical boundaries. It emphasizes the complexity of human nature, where the pursuit of personal needs and wants can lead individuals to knowingly transgress societal or moral standards, highlighting a deep inner turmoil between desire and responsibility.
Themes
DesireMoralityConflictHuman NatureCode
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about ethics and decision-making, you can use this quote to illustrate the tension between personal desires and moral obligations.
More from Harper Lee
All quotes →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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