In Barbara Kingsolver's book "The Bean Trees," the quote challenges the notion of labeling individuals as "illegal." The author argues that human nature encompasses a range of moral qualities—goodness, badness, rightness, and wrongness. This complexity highlights the difficulty in categorizing people based solely on legal status.

The quote emphasizes the inherent value of every person, suggesting that legality does not define one's humanity. By questioning the term "illegal," Kingsolver implies that society often oversimplifies the identities of individuals, neglecting their dignity and multifaceted lives. This perspective invites readers to reconsider how they perceive others beyond legal classifications.