Skip to content

Book Quote by William S. Burroughs

“I'm against Capitol Punishment in all forms, and I have written many pamphlets on this subject in the manner of Swift's Modest Proposal pamphlet incorporated into Naked Lunch; these pamphlets have marked Naked Lunch as an obscene book.” quote by William S. Burroughs
Download Open image
“I'm against Capitol Punishment in all forms, and I have written many pamphlets on this subject in the manner of Swift's Modest Proposal pamphlet incorporated into Naked Lunch; these pamphlets have marked Naked Lunch as an obscene book.”

William S. Burroughs

About This Quote

Source Book: Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs, 1959

The author opposes all forms of capital punishment and uses satirical pamphlets, echoing Swift’s style, to highlight its moral absurdity and provoke controversy.

In simple terms: Opposes death penalty, uses satire to critique.

Key Takeaway

Use satire to challenge unjust policies.

Themes

ethics justice satire human rights

Mood

critical provocative

Type

political literary

When to use this quote

  • legal reform debates
  • human rights advocacy
  • academic discussions on punishment
  • public policy workshops

Key Concepts

moral philosophy political critique literary protest

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can satire effectively influence public opinion on serious issues?
  • What alternatives to capital punishment could be proposed?
A Different Perspective

Satire may be dismissed as frivolous, limiting persuasive impact.

4.6 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by William S. Burroughs

Explore all 484 William S. Burroughs quotes

More Book quotes

Browse all 29,378 Book quotes