Able Quote by Anonymous
“A certain critic -- for such men, I regret to say, do exist -- made the nasty remark about my last novel that it contained 'all the old Wodehouse characters under different names.' He has probably by now been eaten by bears, like the children who made mock of the prophet Elisha: but if he still survives he will not be able to make a similar charge against Summer Lightning. With my superior intelligence, I have out-generalled the man this time by putting in all the old Wodehouse characters under the same names. Pretty silly it will make him feel, I rather fancy.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Summer Lightning, P. G. Wodehouse, 1929
The author mocks a critic’s claim by deliberately using recognizable characters under the same names, turning the critique into a joke.
In simple terms: The writer intentionally repeats familiar characters to outwit a critic.
Key Takeaway
Use humor to defuse criticism.
Themes
humor
literary criticism
self‑reference
authorial confidence
Mood
playful
ironic
Type
satirical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary debates
- author interviews
- publishing discussions
Key Concepts
intertextuality
meta‑fiction
satire
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑referential humor affect new readers?
- When is it better to ignore critics?
A Different Perspective
The joke may alienate readers unfamiliar with the original works.
