"You should have died when I killed you"

This quote from John Le Carre is a powerful declaration that speaks to the suggestion of remorse and shame. It suggests that the speaker has actually done something wrong and is currently wanting that the person they wronged had actually passed away instead. The speaker is sharing a deep sense of remorse for their actions and is wishing that the individual they hurt had not made it through. This quote talks with the idea that occasionally our activities have consequences that we can not reverse, which we should live with the shame of our mistakes. It also talks with the concept that in some cases we can't take back the pain we have triggered, which we should live with the effects of our activities. This quote is a tip that our activities have effects, which we have to take duty for our actions and approve the repercussions.