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What do you do with the kid who can't read? ...Well, what…

“What do you do with the kid who can't read? ...Well, what he did with the kid who couldn't read was to make her his mistress. What Farley did was to make her his punching bag. What the Cuban did was to make her his whore, or one among them--so Coleman believed more often than not.” quote by Philip Roth
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““What do you do with the kid who can't read? ...Well, what he did with the kid who couldn't read was to make her his mistress. What Farley did was to make her his punching bag. What the Cuban did was to make her his whore, or one among them--so Coleman believed more often than not.””

Philip Roth

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 describes how various oppressive figures exploit a vulnerable girl, reflecting systemic abuse.

In simple terms: Abuse of power harms the vulnerable.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and resist exploitation.

Themes

power abuse vulnerability

Mood

somber critical

Type

literary social.

When to use this quote

  • social work
  • legal reform
  • education
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

feminist critique social injustice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does power corrupt individuals?
  • What can protect the vulnerable?
A Different Perspective

Complex narrative may oversimplify victims.

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