Really, awfully, terribly, I had a sudden attack of…
““Really, awfully, terribly, I had a sudden attack of hiccups. I was staring at the Doctor, murderously angry with him. And hiccuping... 'That's it. I'm going down there. I'm offering myself to them instead. If you're too much of a coward.' The Doctor winced at that last word. I hiccuped again. 'Amy Pond,' he said. 'Try holding your breath.' 'I will not hold my breath! This is important! Rory is having his mind vacuumed and we're just standing here-' 'Hiccuping.' 'Yes.' We stood, glaring at each other. I hiccuped again. 'Seriously,' said the Doctor, patiently. 'I know it's not the best time, but really, try holding your breath.' I stood there. Hiccuping and scowling at him.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The Doctor and Amy argue, but their tension is broken by a comical hiccup moment, showing humor amid crisis
In simple terms: Humor eases tension in stressful situations
Key Takeaway
Use humor to defuse conflict
Themes
conflict
humor
stress relief
Mood
lighthearted
tense
Type
dialogue
comic relief
When to use this quote
- medical emergencies
- teamwork
- high‑stakes decisions
Key Concepts
communication
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can humor change a tense interaction?
- When is humor inappropriate?
A Different Perspective
Humor may distract from seriousness; not always appropriate