Poetry Quote by Charles Dickens
““Count,’ said Mrs. Leo Hunter. ‘Mrs. Hunt,’ replied the count. ‘This is Mr. Snodgrass, a friend of Mr. Pickwick’s, and a poet.’ ‘Stop,’ exclaimed the count, bringing out the tablets once more. ‘Head, potry — chapter, literary friends — name, Snowgrass; ver good. Introduced to Snowgrass — great poet, friend of Peek Weeks — by Mrs. Hunt, which wrote other sweet poem — what is that name? — Fog — Perspiring Fog — ver good — ver good indeed.’ And the count put up his tablets, and with sundry bows and acknowledgments walked away, thoroughly satisfied that he had made the most important and valuable additions to his stock of information. ‘Wonderful man, Count Smorltork,’ said Mrs. Leo Hunter. ‘Sound philosopher,’ said Mr. Pott. ‘Clear-headed, strong-minded person,’ added Mr. Snodgrass.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Pickwick Papers, 1836
The Count obsessively records trivial details, showing how bureaucracy can inflate importance.
In simple terms: The Count makes a big deal out of tiny facts.
Key Takeaway
Beware of over‑valuing minutiae.
Themes
bureaucracy
detail‑obsession
social status
absurdity
communication
Mood
satirical
critical
humorous
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- office work
- academic research
- social gatherings
Key Concepts
record‑keeping
social hierarchy
language play
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we cling to trivial records?
- How does this behavior affect relationships?
A Different Perspective
Excessive cataloguing can distract from meaningful content.
