If you thought for one moment that I would release my daughter into the care ― the care! ― of a body of men with a feverish obsession with sexuality, men with dirty fingernails, reeking of ancient sweat, men whose furtive imaginations would crawl over her body like cockroaches ― if you thought I would expose my child to that... you are more stupid than you take me for.
The quote reveals a deep-seated protective instinct of a parent toward their child. The father expresses his strong disapproval of the idea of placing his daughter in the care of men who exhibit questionable morals and behavior. The vivid imagery he uses forces the reader to confront the idea of trust and the dangers inherent in society, particularly regarding the welfare of children.
This outburst highlights the character's emotional turmoil and sense of duty to shield his daughter from potential harm. The powerful language suggests that he believes the environment around her is tainted and unsafe, reflecting broader themes of protection and the complexities of human relationships portrayed throughout Philip Pullman's "The Amber Spyglass."
