They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.
Harper LeeRead
...in other words, all I want to be is the Jane Austen of south Alabama Interview - March 1964
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a desire for literary recognition and legacy, similar to that of Jane Austen.
Harper Lee, in this quote, indicates that her aspiration is to achieve the same level of literary significance and impact as Jane Austen, but in her own unique context of being from south Alabama. This reflects not only her ambition as a writer but also the importance of representing one's own culture and experiences in their work, highlighting the regional identity in literature.
Themes
LiteratureAmbitionLegacyIdentityArt
In practice
Example use cases
During a literary event, to inspire young writers.
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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