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.
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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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