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Groin' is a funny word," Babe said quietly. "I don't know…

“Groin' is a funny word," Babe said quietly. "I don't know the German for it, but I'm sure you do." He began to talk more quickly then, because he could tell Szell was starting to die. "Oh, maybe you didn't see it in the papers, but they've made this fabulous theological discovery, do you know what…” quote by William Goldman
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““Groin' is a funny word," Babe said quietly. "I don't know the German for it, but I'm sure you do." He began to talk more quickly then, because he could tell Szell was starting to die. "Oh, maybe you didn't see it in the papers, but they've made this fabulous theological discovery, do you know what they've found? People don't go to heaven or hell, they all go to one spot first, sort of a way station, and that's were things happen, because, you probably won't believe this, but some people on this earth have been known to do bad things to other people, innocent people, and at this way station, the innocent people wait, and then when their savager comes, they get to exact a little portion of revenge. God says revenge is good for the soul. Do you know who's waiting for you, Mr. Szell? All the Jews. They're all there, and you know what else? They've all got drills, like you used on me - remember how you said how wonderful it was, anyone could learn that, how to use them? Well, they have and they're waiting, and I don't know about you, but I think it's gonna be terrific." Szell was almost dead now, but Babe just had time to get it in. Have a swell eternity," Babe said...””

William Goldman

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 uses dark humor and a twisted afterlife myth to intimidate a dying man, revealing cruelty and vengeance as twisted moral lessons.

In simple terms: A villain uses a bizarre afterlife story to threaten a dying foe.

Key Takeaway

Beware of using fear and myth to manipulate others.

Themes

manality myth manipulation revenge death

Mood

dark ironic menacing

Type

literary dialogue character

When to use this quote

  • Storytelling
  • interrogation
  • psychological warfare
  • character interaction

Key Concepts

Theology psychology power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this reveal about the use of myth in power?
  • How does humor affect the delivery of threats?
A Different Perspective

The claim of a universal afterlife station is unverified and serves narrative tension.

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