They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
Harper LeeRead
There's just some kind of men you have to shoot before you can say hidy to 'em. Even then, they ain't worth the bullet it takes to shoot 'em.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Some people may need to be confronted before one can acknowledge their presence, but they may not deserve the effort.
This quote reflects the idea that certain individuals are so troublesome or negative that confronting them is necessary before any form of recognition or engagement can occur. However, it suggests that even this confrontation may be pointless, as those individuals may not be worth the time and effort implied in dealing with them.
Themes
ConfrontationRecognitionEffortNegativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about toxic relationships, this quote illustrates the futility of engaging with certain people.
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
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