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The crows were looking very much the worse for wear. Their…

“The crows were looking very much the worse for wear. Their black suits were dusty and torn; the maid at the Pension Maria had burnt every one of their shirts as she ironed them. Mr. Trapwood’s face was covered in lumps where the bites of the tabernid fly had gone septic, and both their stomachs…” quote by Eva Ibbotson
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““The crows were looking very much the worse for wear. Their black suits were dusty and torn; the maid at the Pension Maria had burnt every one of their shirts as she ironed them. Mr. Trapwood’s face was covered in lumps where the bites of the tabernid fly had gone septic, and both their stomachs had become boiling caverns of agony and wind. “But we can still do it,” said Mr. Trapwood, punching the table. “We’ll try downriver this time. Those houses by the fishing place. The people there look poor enough; they should take some notice of the reward.” Mr. Low nodded and made his way stealthily toward the door. “If you’re thinking of getting to the lavatory before me, don’t try,” said Mr. Trapwood. “I’m going first.” “No, you aren’t. I need it!” “ You need it…!” Shoving and jostling, the two detectives raced each other down the corridor.””

Eva Ibbotson

About This Quote

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

Two detectives race for a lavatory, highlighting absurd competition amid chaos.

In simple terms: Competing over trivial needs in a chaotic setting.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize cooperation over petty rivalry.

Themes

competition absurdity urgency

Mood

humorous critical

Type

satirical observational

When to use this quote

  • office environments
  • emergency situations
  • teamwork

Key Concepts

human behavior social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What trivial competitions hinder your progress?
  • How can you foster cooperation in tense moments?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on minor conflicts can distract from larger goals.

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