We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

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.