Old clothes Quote by Cormac McCarthy
““He turned him about in the light from the window. What are you wearing? he said. Harrogate shuffled and flapped his arms. Aw, he said. Just some old clothes. Did they rig you out in these at the workhouse? Yeah. They lost my clothes what they give me at the hospital. I dont look funny do I? No. You look crazy. He pulled at Harrogate. What is this? Harrogate held his arms aloft. I dont know, he said. Suttree was turning him around. Good God, he said. The shirt was fashioned from an enormous pair of striped drawers, his neck stuck through the ripped seam of the crotch, his arms hanging from the capacious legholes like sticks. What size do you wear? What size what? Anything. Shirt to start with. I take a small. A small. Yeah. Take that damn thing off.””
About This Quote
A grotesque scene exposing poverty and humiliation, where clothing becomes a symbol of dignity stripped away by institutional neglect.
In simple terms: Poverty reduces people to absurd, dehumanizing displays.
Key Takeaway
Poverty erodes personal dignity.
Themes
poverty
humiliation
social neglect
identity
body image
Mood
somber
disquieted
Type
narrative
social critique
When to use this quote
- homeless shelter intake
- prison clothing checks
- hospital discharge procedures
Key Concepts
social stratification
institutional failure
Practical Applications
- advocate for humane clothing policies
- design dignified emergency garments
Questions to Reflect On
- How does clothing shape our sense of self?
- What responsibilities do institutions have to preserve dignity?
A Different Perspective
The vividness may exaggerate for artistic effect, not reflecting typical institutional practice.
