"His claim to his home is deep, but there are too many ghosts. He must absorb without being absorbed"

This quote by Willie Morris speaks with the concept of belonging and also identity. The speaker is referring to an individual that has a deep link to his residence, but is additionally familiar with the existence of ghosts, or memories, of the past. The speaker is suggesting that the individual should have the ability to approve as well as acknowledge the past without being bewildered by it. He has to have the ability to take in the background of his residence without being completely taken in by it. This quote talks with the suggestion of having the ability to approve as well as understand the past without being defined by it. It is a tip that we can gain from our background without being kept back by it. It is a pointer that we can take ownership of our identification without being totally specified by it.