“How that is so I don't know. How Mama and Daddy know me sixteen years and hate me, how a stranger meet me and love me. (131)”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Sapphire's novel "Push," the protagonist Precious reflects on the love she receives from strangers compared to the hate she feels from her own parents. Precious expresses bewilderment at how her parents, who have known her for sixteen years, could hate her, while strangers she meets show her love and compassion. This contrast highlights the themes of abuse, neglect, and longing for acceptance that Precious grapples with throughout the novel. It also serves to underscore the deep emotional impact that familial abuse can have on an individual's sense of self-worth and belonging. This quote emphasizes the importance of unconditional love and acceptance in shaping one's identity and emotional well-being.
Modern Relevance:
In this quote from Sapphire's novel "Push," the protagonist, Precious, expresses confusion over why her own parents seem to despise her while a stranger shows her love and compassion. This theme of not feeling accepted or loved by one's own family is still incredibly relevant today, as many individuals experience similar struggles with reconciling their relationships with their loved ones. This quote highlights the importance of finding understanding and love in unexpected places, even if it means creating a new support system outside of one's own family.
Example of Usage
In the novel by Sapphire, the protagonist expresses confusion and disbelief over the fact that her own parents have rejected her while a stranger she has just met shows her love and affection. This quote highlights the complexities of relationships and the unexpected ways in which people can impact our lives.
Reflection Questions
In this quote from Sapphire's novel "Push," the protagonist, Precious, expresses confusion and disbelief over the stark difference in treatment between her parents and a stranger. This raises questions about the complexity of relationships and the importance of genuine love and acceptance. Reflect on the following questions:
- How can a stranger show more love and compassion towards someone than their own family members?
- What does this quote reveal about the concept of chosen families and the impact of unconditional love from unexpected sources?
- In what ways can toxic relationships with family members affect one's sense of self-worth and ability to form healthy connections with others?
- How does Precious' experience reflect broader societal issues surrounding family dynamics, abuse, and the search for acceptance and belonging?
Similar quotes
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“I'm ashamed, this is my mama. No matter how fly my braids is, how I grease my skin, scalp, no matter how many jew'ries, this is my mother. -Said by Precious Jones in Push”
“I don't understand why some kids git a good school and mother and father and some don't. But Rita say forgit the WHY ME shit and git on to what's next.”
“I say I drownin' in river. She don't look me like I'm crazy but say, If you just sit there the river gonna rise up drown you! Writing could be the boat carry you to the other side. (97)”