There is a charge For the eyeing of my scars, there is a…
““There is a charge For the eyeing of my scars, there is a charge For the hearing of my heart - It really goes. And there is a charge, a very large charge, For a word or a touch Or a bit of blood Or a piece of my hair or my clothes. --from "Lady Lazarus", written 23-29 October 1962””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker lists the many ways society extracts value from personal suffering and identity, demanding payment for even the most intimate aspects of self.
In simple terms: People profit from your pain and personal details.
Key Takeaway
Guard your boundaries and recognize exploitation.
Themes
exploitation
identity
pain
artistic expression
Mood
defiant
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
personal
When to use this quote
- artist interviews
- therapy sessions
- public performances
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
capitalism
objectification
self‑sacrifice
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect yourself from being commodified?
- When is sharing pain a form of empowerment?
A Different Perspective
The quote may romanticize suffering, ignoring the need for genuine empathy and support.