In "All the Little Live Things," Wallace Stegner explores the duality of good and evil existing within a shared environment. The quote indicates that where goodness thrives, evil can also flourish, illustrating how both aspects are intertwined in nature. This reflects on the complex relationships within ecosystems, where the same conditions that nurture beneficial life forms can also support harmful ones.

The story follows Joe Allston, who seeks peace in his retirement on a property rich with history, connecting him to other characters like Tom Weld and the presence of destructive forces symbolized by Caliban. This juxtaposition invites readers to consider the inherent balance of beauty and darkness in their environments, and how one's ideal sanctuary might attract both solace and turmoil.