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Humor Quote by Bohumil Hrabal

“Suddenly the door opened and in stomped a giant reeking of the river, and before anyone knew what was happening, he had grabbed a chair, smashed it in two, and chased the terrified customers into a corner. The three youngsters pressed against the wall like periwinkles in the rain, but at the very…” quote by Bohumil Hrabal
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““Suddenly the door opened and in stomped a giant reeking of the river, and before anyone knew what was happening, he had grabbed a chair, smashed it in two, and chased the terrified customers into a corner. The three youngsters pressed against the wall like periwinkles in the rain, but at the very last moment, when the man had picked up half a chair in each hand and seemed ready for the kill, he burst into song, and after conducting himself in "Gray Dove Where Have You Been?" he flung aside the halves of the chair, paid the waiter for the damage, and, turning to the still-shaking customers, said, "Gentlemen I am the hangman's assistant," whereupon he left, pensive and miserable. Perhaps he was the one who, last year at the Holesovice slaughterhouse, put a knife to my neck, shoved me into a corner, took out a slip of paper, and read me a poem celebrating the beauties of the countryside at Ricany, then apologized saying he hadn't found any other way of getting people to listen to his verse.””

Bohumil Hrabal

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Little Town Where Time Began, Bohumil Hrabal, 1970

A chaotic, violent scene turns into absurd poetry, showing how art can transform aggression into reflection.

In simple terms: Violence becomes art, revealing hidden humanity.

Key Takeaway

Seek meaning even in madness.

Themes

absurdity violence art transformation

Mood

confused ironic thoughtful

Type

narrative satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • theatre
  • literary analysis
  • psychology
  • social critique

Key Concepts

existentialism surrealism performance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the sudden song reveal about the aggressor?
  • How does humor soften horror?
A Different Perspective

The absurdity may mask deeper social commentary.

3.5 out of 5 (9 ratings)

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