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They was this rich fella, an he makes like he’s poor, an…

“They was this rich fella, an he makes like he’s poor, an they’s this rich girl, an she purtends like she’s poor too, an’ they meet in a hamburg’ stan’ Why? I don’t know why-that’s how it was. Why’d they purtend like they’s poor? Well, they’re tired of bein’ rich. Horseshit! You want to hear this…” quote by John Steinbeck
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““They was this rich fella, an he makes like he’s poor, an they’s this rich girl, an she purtends like she’s poor too, an’ they meet in a hamburg’ stan’ Why? I don’t know why-that’s how it was. Why’d they purtend like they’s poor? Well, they’re tired of bein’ rich. Horseshit! You want to hear this, or not? Well, go on then. Sure, I wanta hear it, but if I was rich, if I was rich I’d get so many pork chops-I’d cord ‘em up aroun’ me like wood, an’ I’d eat my way out. Go on.””

John Steinbeck

About This Quote

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

People sometimes hide wealth to escape expectations, leading to absurd pretenses and frustration.

In simple terms: Rich hide to avoid pressure; they act poor.

Key Takeaway

Recognize true motivations behind behavior.

Themes

identity wealth social pressure

Mood

ironic humorous

Type

literary satirical

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • social events
  • financial discussions

Key Concepts

class dynamics self‑deception

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do people pretend to be something they are not?
  • What pressures cause wealth to feel burdensome?
A Different Perspective

The quote exaggerates for humor, not a literal social analysis.

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