They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
Harper LeeRead
Jen and I were accustomed to our father's last-will-and-testament diction, and were at times free to interrupt Atticus for a translation when it was beyond our understanding.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the relationship between siblings and their father, emphasizing the learning and understanding of familial responsibilities and values.
In this quote, Harper Lee reflects on the bond between siblings, Jen and the narrator, as they navigate the complexities of their father's will and the nuances of his language. It underscores the importance of family communication and the learning process involved in understanding one's heritage and parental guidance. The humor and familiarity in their interaction reveal the depth of their relationship and their reliance on each other for support.
Themes
FamilyUnderstandingSiblingsCommunicationHeritage
In practice
Example use cases
During a family gathering, you might quote this to illustrate the importance of understanding family traditions.
More from Harper Lee
All quotes →It's better to be silent than to be a fool.
Harper LeeRead
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.
Harper LeeRead
With him, life was routine; without him, life was unbearable.
Harper LeeRead
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.
Harper LeeRead
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.
Harper LeeRead
Similar quotes
Part of the American ethos is that you want to leave something better for your kids than you had and I know that my parents felt that way and I know that my grandparents felt that way and everybody worked hard so that their kids had a better chance. I just don't want to be the first generation that doesn't do that.
Matt DamonRead
Raising children, be aware that the piles and piles of laundry will disappear all too soon and that you will, to your surprise, miss them profoundly.
Thomas S. MonsonRead
I was born into a family of gospel singers. My early ambitions were many. I was going to be a ballerina. I almost had that one come true until I tore a tendon, so I transferred from my toes to my throat and that's where the talent settled.
Dionne WarwickRead
People who work for me know that family comes first. And I'm fortunate to have a family that is very supportive of the work I do, so I don't have to live two separate lives.
Kamala HarrisRead
My family was always present when I needed them and sometimes felt even stronger emotions than me.
Lionel MessiRead
There will come a day, I promise you, when the thought of your son, or daughter, or your wife or your husband, brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. It will happen. My prayer for you is that day will come sooner than later.
Joe BidenRead