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...Don't be surprised, and I say it darkly, do not be…

“...Don't be surprised, and I say it darkly, do not be surprised if you lose your Luke in this cause; perhaps Mrs. Dudley has not yet had her own mid morning snack, and she is perfectly capable of a filet de Luke á la meuniére, or perhaps dieppoise, depending upon her mood; if I do not return" -and…” quote by Shirley Jackson
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““...Don't be surprised, and I say it darkly, do not be surprised if you lose your Luke in this cause; perhaps Mrs. Dudley has not yet had her own mid morning snack, and she is perfectly capable of a filet de Luke á la meuniére, or perhaps dieppoise, depending upon her mood; if I do not return" -and he shook his finger warningly under the doctor's nose- "I entreat you to regard your lunch with the gravest suspicion." Bowing extravagantly, as befitted one off to slay a giant, he closed the door behind him.””

Shirley Jackson

About This Quote

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

The speaker warns of unexpected betrayal and the danger of trusting appearances, using vivid, dark humor.

In simple terms: Beware hidden threats and deceptive appearances.

Key Takeaway

Stay vigilant and question motives.

Themes

trust deception danger humor

Mood

cautious wry

Type

cautionary satirical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • political intrigue
  • everyday interactions

Key Concepts

psychology betrayal dark comedy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What signs do you ignore in daily life?
  • How can humor reveal serious threats?
A Different Perspective

The warning may be exaggerated for dramatic effect.

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