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What's all this about sin, eh?' 'That,' I said, very sick…

“What's all this about sin, eh?' 'That,' I said, very sick. 'Using Ludwig van like that. He did no harm to anyone. Beethoven just wrote music.' And then I was really sick and they had to bring a bowl that was in the shape of like a kidney. 'Music,' said Dr. Brodsky, like musing. 'So you're keen on…” quote by Anthony Burgess
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““What's all this about sin, eh?' 'That,' I said, very sick. 'Using Ludwig van like that. He did no harm to anyone. Beethoven just wrote music.' And then I was really sick and they had to bring a bowl that was in the shape of like a kidney. 'Music,' said Dr. Brodsky, like musing. 'So you're keen on music. I know nothing about it myself. It's a useful emotional heightener, that's all I know. Well, well. What do you think about that, eh, Branom?' 'It can't be helped,' said Dr. Branom. 'Each man kills the thing he loves...””

Anthony Burgess

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The dialogue juxtaposes sin, music, and the inevitability of harming what we love, highlighting moral ambiguity and emotional coping.

In simple terms: Love and sin are intertwined, music soothes.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the paradoxes in moral choices.

Themes

morality music paradox

Mood

conflicted introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • discussing ethics
  • exploring emotional outlets
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology art therapy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can art justify harmful actions?
  • What does “killing the thing he loves” reveal about desire?
A Different Perspective

The conversation may romanticize harmful behavior.

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