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One hundred and fifty years ago , the monster began, this…

“One hundred and fifty years ago , the monster began, this country had become a place of industry. Factories grew on the landscape like weeds. Trees fell, fields were up-ended, rivers blackened. The sky choked on smoke and ash, and the people did, too, spending their days coughing and itching…” quote by Patrick Ness
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““ One hundred and fifty years ago , the monster began, this country had become a place of industry. Factories grew on the landscape like weeds. Trees fell, fields were up-ended, rivers blackened. The sky choked on smoke and ash, and the people did, too, spending their days coughing and itching, their eyes turned forever toward the ground. Villages grew into town, towns into cities. And people began to live on the earth rather than within it. ””

Patrick Ness

About This Quote

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

The passage depicts industrialization’s destructive impact on nature and human health, turning people into victims of pollution.

In simple terms: Industry harms nature and people, causing widespread suffering.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and mitigate environmental damage.

Themes

environment industrialization health

Mood

somber urgent

Type

narrative reflective

When to use this quote

  • city planning
  • public health policy
  • community activism
  • personal lifestyle choices

Key Concepts

pollution urbanization ecology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does industrial progress affect your community?
  • What steps can you take to reduce your environmental footprint?
A Different Perspective

Economic growth often overlooks ecological costs.

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