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Gray's conversation was composed of cliches. However…

“Gray's conversation was composed of cliches. However shopworn, he uttered them with an obvious conviction that he was the first person to think of them. He never went to bed, but hit the hay, where he slept the sleep of the just; if it rained it rained to beat the band and to the very end Paris to…” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
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““Gray's conversation was composed of cliches. However shopworn, he uttered them with an obvious conviction that he was the first person to think of them. He never went to bed, but hit the hay, where he slept the sleep of the just; if it rained it rained to beat the band and to the very end Paris to him was Gay Paree. But he was so kindly, so unselfish, so upright, so reliable, so unassuming that it was impossible not to like him. I had a real affection for him. He was excited now over their approaching departure. "Gosh, it'll be great to get into harness again," he said. "I'm feeling my oats already." "Is it settled then?" "I haven't signed on the dotted line yet, but it's on ice. The fella I'm going in with was a roommate of mine at college, and he's a good scout, and I'm dead sure he wouldn't hand me a lemon. But as soon as we get to New York I'll fly down to Texas to give the outfit the once-over, and you bet I'll keep my eyes peeled for a nigger in the woodpile before I cough up any of Isabel's dough." "Gray's a very good businessman, you know," she said. "I wasn't raised in a barn," he smiled.””

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

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

The passage mixes colloquial speech with vivid imagery, revealing character traits through informal dialogue.

In simple terms: Informal dialogue reveals character.

Key Takeaway

Observe language cues for insight.

Themes

character

Mood

reflective critical

Type

literary analytical

When to use this quote

  • literary analysis
  • character study
  • social interaction

Key Concepts

dialogue social observation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the slang reveal about social status?
  • How does humor affect perception?
A Different Perspective

Language may contain offensive terms, requiring careful handling.

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