Aravind-adiga Quote by Aravind Adiga
“Here's a strange fact: murder a man, and you feel responsible for his life - ''possessive'', even. You know more about him than his father and mother; they knew his fetus, but you know his corpse. Only you can complete the story of his life, only you know why his body has to be pushed into the fire before its time, and why his toes curl up and fight for another hour on earth.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, 2008
The narrator feels an unsettling ownership over a murder victim’s life, knowing intimate details that even the victim’s family lacks, and contemplates the lingering struggle of the dying body.
In simple terms: A killer feels oddly responsible for the victim’s life and death.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the moral weight of responsibility.
Themes
guilt
ownership
mortality
power
empathy
Mood
disturbing
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
literary
When to use this quote
- crime investigation
- courtroom testimony
- journalistic reporting
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
ethical dilemma
Questions to Reflect On
- How does assuming ownership affect justice?
- What responsibilities arise from intimate knowledge of another’s death?
A Different Perspective
The perspective may overlook the victim’s agency and broader social factors.
