Children Quote by Angela Thirkell
““Good,’ said Mr Carton. ‘Why children, a loathsome breed who should be kept under hatches or in monasteries till they have acquired some rudiments of manners and consideration for others, should be encouraged to think themselves of importance now, I do not know. The English as a race have always been sentimental about dogs, and draught horses in Italy where most of them have never been, but this wave of sentiment about children is a new and revolting outburst.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Man Who Knew Too Much by Angela Thirkell, 1939
The quote critiques the growing sentimental indulgence toward children, comparing it to past affection for animals, and suggests it is an unsettling, overblown trend.
In simple terms: Children are being overly sentimentalized, which the author finds distasteful.
Key Takeaway
Question the excess of sentiment toward children.
Themes
sentiment
culture
childhood
societal norms
Mood
critical
reflective
skeptical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- parenting debates
- education policy
- media portrayal of children
- public discourse on child welfare
Key Concepts
nostalgia
overindulgence
social criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is all sentiment toward children harmful?
- How can we balance care with realistic expectations?
A Different Perspective
Sentiment can foster empathy and protection for children.
