Skip to content

Why, Wally,” he said. “Except for leaving out the part…

“Why, Wally,” he said. “Except for leaving out the part where Tom continues to be a homicidal maniac, it’s all the truth.” quote by Donald E. Westlake
Download Open image
““Why, Wally,” he said. “Except for leaving out the part where Tom continues to be a homicidal maniac, it’s all the truth.””

Donald E. Westlake

About This Quote

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

A character admits that a story is mostly true except for an extreme, violent detail, highlighting the line between fact and exaggeration.

In simple terms: A story can be mostly true but still have a wild, false part.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when exaggeration is used for effect.

Themes

truth exaggeration storytelling humor

Mood

playful skeptical

Type

analytical humorous

When to use this quote

  • reading fiction
  • discussing media literacy
  • analyzing character dialogue

Key Concepts

narrative reliability hyperbole

Questions to Reflect On

  • What part of a story do you accept as truth?
  • How does humor affect credibility?
A Different Perspective

Exaggeration can mislead if taken literally.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Donald E. Westlake

Explore all 113 Donald E. Westlake quotes

More Truth quotes

Browse all 45,081 Truth quotes