I thought what I'd do was, I'd pretend I was one of those…
““I thought what I'd do was, I'd pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes. That way I wouldn't have to have any goddam stupid useless conversations with anybody. If anybody wanted to tell me something, they'd have to write it on a piece of paper and shove it over to me. They'd get bored as hell doing that after a while, and then I'd be through with having conversations for the rest of my life.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator imagines escaping unwanted social interaction by pretending to be unable to hear or speak, hoping others will communicate only in writing, which he believes will become tedious and end the need for conversation.
In simple terms: He wants to avoid talking by acting deaf and mute, expecting others to tire of writing to him.
Key Takeaway
Consider how avoidance strategies can backfire.
Themes
isolation
communication
avoidance
social anxiety
Mood
frustrated
reflective
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- school life
- family gatherings
- work meetings
- online forums
Key Concepts
psychology
self‑fulfilling prophecy
defense mechanisms
Questions to Reflect On
- What conversations are you avoiding?
- How might honest dialogue improve the situation?
A Different Perspective
Such avoidance can increase loneliness and prevent genuine connection.