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Attorney Quote by Charles Dickens

“That, they never could lay their heads upon their pillows; that, they could never tolerate the idea of their wives laying their heads upon their pillows; that, they could never endure the notion of their children laying their heads on their pillows; in short , that there never more could be , for…” quote by Charles Dickens
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“That, they never could lay their heads upon their pillows; that, they could never tolerate the idea of their wives laying their heads upon their pillows; that, they could never endure the notion of their children laying their heads on their pillows; in short , that there never more could be , for them or theirs , any laying of heads upon pillows at all , unless the prisioner's head was taken off. The Attorney General during the trial of Mr. Darnay”

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

Source Book: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, 1859

The quote sat the dehumanizing cruelty of a prison system that denies basic comforts, even in death, reflecting a society that values control over compassion.

In simple terms: Prisoners are denied simple comforts, even after death.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and oppose in that.

Themes

injustice dehumanization power control compassion

Mood

somber critical

Type

literary political

When to use this quote

  • prison reform
  • legal advocacy
  • human rights education
  • mental health support

Key Concepts

Human rights authoritarianism psychological trauma

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does denying basic comforts affect a person's dignity?
  • What reforms could restore humanity to incarceration?
A Different Perspective

The quote may exaggerate for dramatic effect, not all prisons are equally harsh.

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