Evicted Quote by Robert B. Parker
““The urban renewers had struck again. They'd evicted me, a fortune-teller, and a bookie from the corner of Mass. Ave. and Boylston, moved in with sandblasters and bleached oak and plant hangers, and last I looked appeared to be turning the place into a Marin County whorehouse.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Godwits by Robert B. Parker, 1995
The quote satirically describes gentrification turning a gritty neighborhood into a polished, commercialized space, losing its original character.
In simple terms: Gentrification replaces authentic community with glossy development.
Key Takeaway
Beware of losing local identity to flashy upgrades.
Themes
gentrification
urban change
satire
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
social commentary
satirical
When to use this quote
- neighborhood revitalization
- real estate development
- community activism
- housing policy
- urban planning
Key Concepts
social displacement
commercialization
cultural erosion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does gentrification affect long‑time residents?
- What can preserve community spirit amid development?
A Different Perspective
The humor may downplay the real hardship faced by displaced residents.
![“I'm a long way from being evicted [at the age of 14], but I'll never forget it. I'll never forget the feeling. I'll never forget my mom crying and I'll never forget the thought I had: 'Well the only thing I can do is just go build my body,' because the men who were successful that I knew of…” quote by Dwayne Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d9a/dwayne-johnson-1126_action_i-m-a-long-way-from-being-evicted-at-the_692513.jpg)
