They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
Harper LeeRead
When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote introduces a significant event from the narrator's childhood involving their brother.
This quote from Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' sets the stage for a story that reflects on childhood experiences, family relationships, and the impact of trauma. It hints at a profound event in the narrator’s life that shapes their understanding of the world and their family dynamics, highlighting the challenges faced in growing up.
Themes
FamilyChildhoodTraumaRelationshipGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of family history during a family gathering.
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
God bless my mother - she's long gone now, but she'd work all day and go to school at night. She started out in life as a housekeeper at 15 years old, totally on her own, and she retired as a college professor. But there were some hard times. It's not easy for a woman who's only trying to do the best for her kid but who could never be home.
Jonathan BanksRead
If family violence teaches children that might makes right at home, how will we hope to cure the futile impulse to solve worldly conflicts with force?
Letty Cottin PogrebinRead
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
Parenting is an impossible job at any age.
Harrison FordRead
Parents aren’t the people you come from. They’re the people you want to be, when you grow up.
Jodi PicoultRead
Did you know a child is orphaned by AIDS every 15 seconds. Millions of children are going it alone. Missing their childhood. Missing their mother. Missing their father. AIDS is devastating families around the globe. Children are missing your support. Unite for children. Unite against AIDS.
Danny GloverRead