Parenting Quote by William S. Burroughs
““Cowboy: New York hood talk means kill the mother fucker wherever you find him. A rat is a rat is a rat is a rat. Is an informer.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs, 1959
The quote juxtaposes violent street slang with a repetitive animal metaphor, suggesting a cynical view of loyalty and betrayal in a chaotic world.
In simple terms: Violence and betrayal are repeated themes.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral code behind violent language.
Themes
violence
loyalty
urban decay
language
Mood
dark
gritty
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- gang culture
- law enforcement
- media analysis
- personal ethics
Key Concepts
nihilism
social critique
repetition
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the repeated phrase imply about identity?
- How does slang shape perception of violence?
A Different Perspective
Violent rhetoric can normalize aggression.
