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I, Rooster John Byron, hereby place a curse Upon the…

“I, Rooster John Byron, hereby place a curse Upon the Kennet and Avon Council, May they wander the land for ever, Never sleep twice in the same bed, Never drink water from the same well, And never cross the same river twice in a year. He who steps in my blood, may it stick to them Like hot oil. May…” quote by Jez Butterworth
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““I, Rooster John Byron, hereby place a curse Upon the Kennet and Avon Council, May they wander the land for ever, Never sleep twice in the same bed, Never drink water from the same well, And never cross the same river twice in a year. He who steps in my blood, may it stick to them Like hot oil. May it scorch them for life, And may the heat dry up their souls, And may they be filled with the melancholy Wine won't shift. And all their newborn babies Be born mangled, with the same marks, The same wounds of their fathers. Any uniform which brushes a single leaf of this wood Is cursed, and he who wears it this St George's Day, May he not see the next.””

Jez Butterworth

About This Quote

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

A satirical curse that wishes perpetual misfortune on a council, using vivid, exaggerated imagery to mock authority and fate.

In simple terms: A mock curse wishing endless bad luck on a council.

Key Takeaway

Recognize satire and question the power of curses.

Themes

satire authority fate misfortune ritual

Mood

darkly humorous critical mocking

Type

literary theatrical satirical

When to use this quote

  • political protest
  • theatrical performance
  • public speech
  • ritual condemnation

Key Concepts

curses social critique symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this curse reveal about the speaker's view of power?
  • How does satire affect the seriousness of a curse?
A Different Perspective

The absurdity may undermine its intended impact, making it seem humorous rather than threatening.

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