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By degrees, he joins that sorry legion of passive men who…

“By degrees, he joins that sorry legion of passive men who abandon their children in order to placate their second wives.” quote by Ian McEwan
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““By degrees, he joins that sorry legion of passive men who abandon their children in order to placate their second wives.””

Ian McEwan

About This Quote

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

Men abandon children to appease new spouses, reflecting passive complicity.

In simple terms: Men neglect children for new wives.

Key Takeaway

Question passive complicity.

Themes

family neglect morality

Mood

somber reflective

Type

literary critical

When to use this quote

  • family counseling
  • legal custody
  • social services

Key Concepts

parental responsibility social pressure ethical failure

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do people prioritize new relationships?
  • What responsibilities outweigh personal desire?
A Different Perspective

Complex personal motives may underlie such actions.

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