I think my sense of right and wrong, my feeling of…
![“I think my sense of right and wrong, my feeling of noblesse oblige, and any thought I may have against the oppressor and for the oppressed came from [Le Morte d'Arthur]…It did not seem strange to me that Uther Pendragon wanted the wife of his vassal and took her by trickery. I was not frightened…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/d51/john-steinbeck-71_love-and-loyalty_i-think-my-sense-of-right-and-wrong-my-f_1452653.jpg)
““I think my sense of right and wrong, my feeling of noblesse oblige, and any thought I may have against the oppressor and for the oppressed came from [Le Morte d'Arthur]…It did not seem strange to me that Uther Pendragon wanted the wife of his vassal and took her by trickery. I was not frightened to find that there were evil knights, as well as noble ones. In my own town there were men who wore the clothes of virtue whom I knew to be bad…If I could not choose my way at the crossroads of love and loyalty, neither could Lancelot. I could understand the darkness of Mordred because he was in me too; and there was some Galahad in me, but perhaps not enough. The Grail feeling was there, however, deep-planted, and perhaps always will be.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator reflects on how literature shapes moral perception, recognizing both noble and evil within himself and others, and feeling an enduring, conflicted sense of purpose.
In simple terms: Stories influence our sense of right, wrong, and inner conflict.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the duality within and seek personal growth.
Themes
morality
identity
conflict
literature
self‑reflection
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- ethical dilemmas
- leadership challenges
- counseling
- creative writing
Key Concepts
noble vs evil
inner darkness
spiritual quest
heroic archetype
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile conflicting values?
- What role does literature play in your moral development?
A Different Perspective
The ideal of pure virtue may be unattainable, leading to frustration.