Captive Quote by Yaa Gyasi
““When someone does wrong, whether it is you or me, whether it is mother or father, whether it is the Gold Coast man or the white man, it is like a fisherman casting a net into the water. He keeps only the one or two fish that he needs to feed himself and puts the rest in the water, thinking that their lives will go back to normal. No one forgets that they were once captive, even if they are now free. But””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Homegoing, Yaa Gyasi, 2016
Wrongdoing is likened to a fisherman keeping only needed fish, releasing the rest, yet the freed fish remember captivity.
In simple terms: People act selfishly, leaving others harmed.
Key Takeaway
Consider the impact of selfish actions on others.
Themes
justice
selfishness
memory
freedom
consequences
Mood
thoughtful
somber
critical
Type
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- family dynamics
- social justice
- historical oppression
- personal accountability
Key Concepts
ethical responsibility
intergenerational trauma
colonial legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal gain affect communal well‑being?
- Can true freedom be achieved without addressing past harms?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor oversimplifies complex power dynamics.
