Famous quote by Ada Cambridge

"Let Justice, blind and halt and maimed, chastise the rebel spirit surging in my veins, let the Law deal me penalties and pains And make me hideous in my neighbours' eyes"

About this Quote

In this evocative quote by Ada Cambridge, the speaker grapples with the stress between uniqueness and social conformity. Through lively imagery, the passage explores themes of rebellion, justice, embarassment, and the social alienation that frequently accompanies nonconformity.

The speaker conjures up "Justice" as an almost mythic figure--"blind and halt and incapacitated". Traditionally, Lady Justice is illustrated as blind and unbiased, suggesting fairness. However, by including "halt and impaired", Cambridge presents a critique of the legal or ethical systems that arbitrate human habits. Justice here seems impaired, maybe suggesting that the social systems indicated to provide fairness are themselves flawed and incapable of truly comprehending the human spirit.

The "rebel spirit rising" in the speaker's veins signifies the intrinsic desire for self-expression and defiance against societal standards. This metaphor recommends an internal struggle, where uniqueness is at odds with expectations and conventions imposed by society. Making use of "rising" evokes a sense of vigor and seriousness, stressing the natural and unstoppable force of this rebellious inclination.

"Let the Law deal me penalties and pains" reveals the speaker's willingness to deal with the effects of their rebellion. It's a conscious recommendation that supporting individuality often comes at an individual cost, manifesting as both physical and social penalties. The willingness to endure such repercussions highlights the strength and dedication of the speaker to their personal reality.

Lastly, "And make me horrible in my neighbours' eyes" underscores the alienation and stigma that society often inflicts on those who deviate from the norm. Here, "horrible" recommends more than physical ugliness; it symbolizes social rejection and contempt. The speaker anticipates being judged harshly by their neighborhood but seems resigned to or accepting of this result, acknowledging it as the price of authenticity.

In general, Cambridge's quote is a poignant meditation on the costs of individual flexibility and the societal penalties inflicted on those who dare obstacle prevailing standards. It highlights the internal and external disputes faced by anybody who chooses the course of nonconformity, recommending a complicated interplay between individual integrity and social ostracism.

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About the Author

England Flag This quote is from Ada Cambridge between November 21, 1844 and July 19, 1926. He/she was a famous Writer from England. The author also have 3 other quotes.
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