Skip to content

Lane was speaking now as someone does who has been…

“Lane was speaking now as someone does who has been monopolizing conversation for a good quarter of an hour or so and who believes he has just hit a stride where his voice can do absolutely no wrong. . . . Franny again cleared her throat. Apparently her self-imposed sentence of unadulterated…” quote by J.D. Salinger
Download Open image
““Lane was speaking now as someone does who has been monopolizing conversation for a good quarter of an hour or so and who believes he has just hit a stride where his voice can do absolutely no wrong. . . . Franny again cleared her throat. Apparently her self-imposed sentence of unadulterated good-listenership had been fully served.””

J.D. Salinger

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 dominates conversation, assuming his voice is flawless, while another pretends to listen perfectly but is actually forced to intervene.

In simple terms: One person monopolizes talk, another feigns perfect listening.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when you’re speaking over others.

Themes

communication humility self-awareness

Mood

reflective critical

Type

literary observational

When to use this quote

  • social gatherings
  • team meetings
  • family dinners
  • classroom discussions

Key Concepts

ego active listening power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you often dominate conversations?
  • How can you practice genuine listening?
A Different Perspective

Assuming flawless speech can blind you to others’ needs.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by J.D. Salinger

Explore all 416 J.D. Salinger quotes

More Communication quotes

Browse all 21,506 Communication quotes