Angry Quote by Scott O'Dell
“Many of our tribe went to the cliff each night to count the number killed during the day. They counted the dead otter and thought of the beads and other things that each pelt meant. But I never went to the cove and whenever I saw the hunters with their long spears skimming over the water, I was angry, for these animals were my friends. It was fun to see them playing or sunning themselves among the kelp. It more fun than the thought of beads to wear around my neck.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The River of Doubt by Scott O'Dell, 1970
The narrator feels grief and anger watching hunters kill otters, which he sees as friends, contrasting material value of pelts with natural joy.
In simple terms: Seeing animals as friends makes killing them painful.
Key Takeaway
Protect wildlife, value life over profit.
Themes
environment
animal rights
grief
conflict
culture
Mood
sad
reflective
Type
narrative
emotive
When to use this quote
- hunting seasons
- conservation education
- personal reflection on wildlife
- community rituals
Key Concepts
ecology
human‑animal bond
materialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does valuing animals as friends change your actions?
- What alternatives exist to replace bead trade?
A Different Perspective
The quote reflects personal emotion but may overlook broader socioeconomic reasons for hunting.
