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But, however, I clapped a stopper over his capers.’ Dr…

“But, however, I clapped a stopper over his capers.’ Dr Maturin was proud of his nautical expressions: sometimes he got them right, but right or wrong he always brought them out with a slight emphasis of satisfaction, much as others might utter a particularly apt Greek or Latin quotation. ‘And…” quote by Patrick O'Brian
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““But, however, I clapped a stopper over his capers.’ Dr Maturin was proud of his nautical expressions: sometimes he got them right, but right or wrong he always brought them out with a slight emphasis of satisfaction, much as others might utter a particularly apt Greek or Latin quotation. ‘And brought him up with a round stern,’ he added.””

Patrick O'Brian

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 boasts about his nautical slang, mixing pride and humor while emphasizing his flair for dramatic language.

In simple terms: He shows off his sea‑talk with confidence and a hint of satire.

Key Takeaway

Embrace your quirks, but stay humble.

Themes

pride humor language confidence

Mood

playful ironic reflective

Type

literary character

When to use this quote

  • naval storytelling
  • character dialogue
  • writing workshops

Key Concepts

literary style self‑awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you balance confidence with humility?
  • How does humor affect credibility?
A Different Perspective

Over‑emphasis can alienate listeners.

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