In Joyce Carol Oates' book "Lovely, Dark, Deep", a striking quote captures a chilling sentiment: "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." This phrase echoes the historical fear and persecution associated with witch hunts, reflecting the darker aspects of human nature and morality. The American psyche is portrayed as being deeply influenced by such violent admonitions, revealing an ingrained inclination towards fear and judgment.

The author delves into the complexities of this mindset, suggesting that it resonates with a broader cultural understanding of justice and retribution. The phrase serves as a metaphor for a society that often responds to difference or abnormality with hostility, indicating a deeper struggle between the light and dark within individuals and the society at large.