The House of the Scorpion Choices Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"I always say the truth is best even when we find it unpleasant. Any rat in a sewer can lie. It's how rats are. It's what makes them rats. But a human doesn't run and hide in dark places, because he's something more. Lying is the most personal act of cowardice their is." (13.110)

A human is something more, indeed. Why? Because unlike a rat that's hardwired, humans can make choices and face the truth.

Quote #5

The regrets piled thickly on one another until Matt's thoughts were running around in his head like a hamster on a wheel. (14.8)

With choices come regrets. It's unavoidable. It's what Matt does with those regrets that will matter most.

Quote #6

"Give things away? I can't believe I heard that! What have they been teaching you?"

"It was only a suggestion," Matt said, aghast at the reaction he'd provoked. (18.61-62)

El Patrón's reaction and subsequent freak-out to Matt's seemingly innocent suggestion is pretty funny because it's just so extreme. But this scene also reveals just how selfish El Patrón is – he can't even comprehend giving things away.