The line from Anthony Burgess's "A Clockwork Orange" reflects a profound and disturbing aspect of human nature, suggesting that love often comes with a cost. The poet in prison seems to imply that in the process of loving something or someone, we inadvertently harm or extinguish that very affection. This idea highlights the paradox where devotion can lead to destruction, revealing the darker side of emotional attachments.
The notion that "every person kills what he loves" serves as a poignant reminder of the penalties that accompany deep emotional ties. It suggests that love can bring about suffering, loss, or betrayal, potentially leading to a cycle of pain. This theme resonates throughout the narrative, emphasizing the complexities of love and the consequences that follow when passion and violence intertwine in human experience.