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LEVIATHAN, n. An enormous aquatic animal mentioned by Job…

“LEVIATHAN, n. An enormous aquatic animal mentioned by Job. Some suppose it to have been the whale, but that distinguished ichthyologer, Dr. Jordan, of Stanford University, maintains with considerable heat that it was a species of gigantic Tadpole (_Thaddeus Polandensis_) or Polliwig --_Maria…” quote by Ambrose Bierce
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“LEVIATHAN, n. An enormous aquatic animal mentioned by Job. Some suppose it to have been the whale, but that distinguished ichthyologer, Dr. Jordan, of Stanford University, maintains with considerable heat that it was a species of gigantic Tadpole (_Thaddeus Polandensis_) or Polliwig --_Maria pseudo-hirsuta_. For an exhaustive description and history of the Tadpole consult the famous monograph of Jane Potter, _Thaddeus of Warsaw_.”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A humorous, exaggerated definition that mixes myth with scientific satire.

In simple terms: A funny, over‑the‑top description of a sea monster.

Key Takeaway

Enjoy the absurdity, but check facts.

Themes

humor myth science satire

Mood

playful ironic

Type

satirical educational

When to use this quote

  • reading obscure texts
  • teaching myth
  • debating facts
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

lexicography critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you recognize the satire?
  • How does humor affect learning?
A Different Perspective

The joke may confuse those seeking literal info.

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