Skip to content

[Calvin, who has the chicken pox, calls Susie on the…

“[Calvin, who has the chicken pox, calls Susie on the telephone.] Susie: Hello? Calvin: Hi, Susie! It's me, Calvin! I was wondering if you'd like to come over and play. Susie: Why, sure! Boy, I don't think you've ever invited me to... Calvin's Mom: Calvin, what are you doing? Calvin: Nothing, Mom…” quote by Bill Watterson
Download Open image
“[Calvin, who has the chicken pox, calls Susie on the telephone.] Susie: Hello? Calvin: Hi, Susie! It's me, Calvin! I was wondering if you'd like to come over and play. Susie: Why, sure! Boy, I don't think you've ever invited me to... Calvin's Mom: Calvin, what are you doing? Calvin: Nothing, Mom. Go away. Calvin's Mom: You're contagious! You can't have anyone over to play! Calvin: Shhhh! Shhhh! You'll spoil the whole thing! I was going to trick Susie into catching... HEY! OW! LET GO! Susie: [Hanging up the phone] Any chance of getting transferred, Dad?”

Bill Watterson

About This Quote

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

A child pretends to be ill to avoid social interaction, but his mother stops the plan, exposing his deception.

In simple terms: Calvin tries to trick a friend, but his mom stops him.

Key Takeaway

Be honest and consider consequences.

Themes

deception childhood social anxiety parental authority playfulness

Mood

playful teaching

Type

comic humorous

When to use this quote

  • school interactions
  • friendship
  • parental guidance

Key Concepts

lying social avoidance family dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we lie to avoid discomfort?
  • How can honesty improve friendships?
A Different Perspective

Deception can damage trust and relationships.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bill Watterson

Explore all 389 Bill Watterson quotes

More Boys quotes

Browse all 7,168 Boys quotes