In "A Clockwork Orange," Anthony Burgess explores the theme of free will and the consequences of punishment. The quote reflects on the transformation of an individual who, after committing sins, is subjected to an exaggerated punishment that strips away their humanity. This transformation serves to illustrate the loss of autonomy and the danger of reducing a person to a state where they can only perform socially accepted actions.

The statement emphasizes how such extreme measures can turn a person into a mere automaton, lacking the ability to choose between good and evil. It raises important questions about morality, the nature of justice, and the true essence of being human, suggesting that true violation occurs when one’s capacity for choice is taken away.