Skip to content

Are you married? Yes, I mumbled, that is to say - no…

“Are you married? Yes, I mumbled, that is to say - no. Come, come, said Havisham angrily. It is a simple enough question. I was married, I answered. Died? No, I mumbled, that is to say - yes. I'll try harder questions in future, announced Havisham, for you are obviously not adept at the easy ones.” quote by Jasper Fforde
Download Open image
““Are you married? Yes, I mumbled, that is to say - no. Come, come, said Havisham angrily. It is a simple enough question. I was married, I answered. Died? No, I mumbled, that is to say - yes. I'll try harder questions in future, announced Havisham, for you are obviously not adept at the easy ones.””

Jasper Fforde

About This Quote

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

The dialogue satirically highlights how people avoid simple truths, preferring complex questions that mask deeper avoidance.

In simple terms: People often dodge easy answers, choosing harder ones.

Key Takeaway

Embrace honesty over evasive complexity.

Themes

honesty avoidance communication

Mood

wry thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • conflict resolution
  • self‑reflection
  • dialogue

Key Concepts

literature satire psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we prefer difficult questions?
  • What simple truths are we avoiding?
A Different Perspective

Complex questions may obscure rather than clarify.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jasper Fforde

Explore all 356 Jasper Fforde quotes

More Marriage quotes

Browse all 31,920 Marriage quotes