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I like your coat," she announced, as if her approval of my…

“I like your coat," she announced, as if her approval of my dress were the supreme prize in a good-taste contest. "Does that mean I get to see Jill?" She considered this. "Perhaps it does," she said. "Just what are your intentions concerning my roommate?" "I'm going to kidnap her and hold her for…” quote by Steven Brust
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““I like your coat," she announced, as if her approval of my dress were the supreme prize in a good-taste contest. "Does that mean I get to see Jill?" She considered this. "Perhaps it does," she said. "Just what are your intentions concerning my roommate?" "I'm going to kidnap her and hold her for ransom." "Really?" she said, appearing delighted. "How splendid." "Or else I'll put her in a cage and show her for money, but I think you'd be more suitable for that role." She nodded. "Yes. The kidnapping is a much better idea." She stood straight and walked with exaggerated grace into the living room. There was a very nice wooden stairway, curving back on itself with a stained-glass window at the landing. She called, "Jill! Your kidnapper is here," and gave me a big smile. "Aren't you going to come in?" she said. "Only if you want me to. We kidnappers are very polite." "Oh do, by all means.””

Steven Brust

About This Quote

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

A darkly comic scene where a character toys with kidnapping as a twisted form of flirtation, highlighting absurd power dynamics and morbid humor.

In simple terms: A bizarre, humorous exchange about kidnapping as a flirt.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when humor crosses ethical lines.

Themes

dark humor power dynamics absurdity

Mood

ironic disturbing playful

Type

satire dark humor fiction

When to use this quote

  • fiction writing
  • character development
  • dialogue analysis

Key Concepts

morality social interaction violence

Practical Applications

  • comic storytelling
  • satire
  • ethical critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this reveal about the characters' moral compass?
  • How does humor affect perception of violence?
A Different Perspective

The joke may normalize violent fantasies.

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