"It is hard work to be good when you are very little and very hungry, and have many sticks to beat you, and no mother's lips to kiss you"

This quote by Ouida speaks with the trouble of being excellent when confronted with tough scenarios. It speaks to the concept that it is hard to be great when one is really young, extremely hungry, and has no one to rely on for comfort. The quote likewise speaks to the concept of physical and emotional abuse, as it points out sticks being utilized to beat the individual. This quote speaks to the concept that it is difficult to be good when one is in a difficult situation, and that it is even harder when one has nobody to rely on for comfort and assistance. It talks to the idea that even in the most hard of circumstances, it is possible to be excellent, however it takes a great deal of hard work and dedication. This quote speaks to the idea that even in the most challenging of situations, it is possible to be great, which it is worth the effort.