Skip to content

And when is it necessary to kill, she asked herself as she…

“And when is it necessary to kill, she asked herself as she headed in the direction of the hallway, and she herself answered the question, When what is still alive is already dead.” quote by José Saramago
Download Open image
““And when is it necessary to kill, she asked herself as she headed in the direction of the hallway, and she herself answered the question, When what is still alive is already dead.””

José Saramago

About This Quote

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

Contemplating the necessity of killing reveals paradoxes about life and death.

In simple terms: Question the need for ending life.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on moral complexities of ending.

Themes

ethics life death

Mood

somber introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • literary analysis
  • ethical debates
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

philosophical paradox moral dilemma

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines a life worth ending?
  • How do we reconcile living with dying?
A Different Perspective

Moral conclusions are rarely clear‑cut.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by José Saramago

Explore all 487 José Saramago quotes

More Alive Dead quotes

Browse all 35 Alive Dead quotes