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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker suggests that innocence is a concept adults attribute to children rather than an inherent trait.
In plain terms
Adults imagine children are innocent, but they may not be.
What can you take from it?
Innocence is often a view adults hold about kids.

Where it applies

  • discussing parenting
  • analyzing children
  • reflecting on adulthood

Putting it to work

  • questioning assumptions about kids
  • recognizing adult bias

Questions to consider

  • Are children truly innocent?
  • Why do adults need them to be?

Another view

It challenges a common comforting belief about children.

More from Donna Tartt

  1. I think it's hard to write about children and to have an idea of innocence.

    Permalink to quote #16
  2. I really do work in solitude.

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. I'd rather write one good book than ten mediocre ones.

    Permalink to quote #17

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