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There once was an old man of Lyme who married three wives…

“There once was an old man of Lyme who married three wives at a time when asked, 'Why a third?' he replied 'One's absurd! and bigamy, sir, is a crime!'” quote by William Cosmo Monkhouse
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“There once was an old man of Lyme who married three wives at a time when asked, 'Why a third?' he replied 'One's absurd! and bigamy, sir, is a crime!'”

William Cosmo Monkhouse

About This Quote

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

An old man jokes about bigamy, highlighting absurdity and moral boundaries.

In simple terms: Bigamy is absurd and criminal.

Key Takeaway

Recognize moral limits in humor.

Themes

absurdity marriage ethics humor law

Mood

humorous critical

Type

Absurd:1 Bigamy:1 Crime:1 Funny marriage:0 Marriage:0 Married:0 Men:0 Old man:0 Thirds:0 Three:0 Time:0 Wife:0 Lyme Married:0 Absurd Bigamy:0 Bigamy Sir:0 Married Wives:0

When to use this quote

  • legal studies
  • relationship counseling
  • comedy writing
  • ethical debates
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

social commentary legal ethics literary satire cultural history

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes this joke funny?
  • How does it reflect societal norms?
A Different Perspective

Humor can trivialize serious issues.

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