Jokes Quote by Donald E. Westlake
““telling the jokes—was the setups. Why were that priest, that rabbi, and that minister walking down that street? Where were they headed? How had they happened to come together? What odd chance had put ex-presidents Bush, Clinton, and Carter on that same plane?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Axle, 1974
The humor arises from juxtaposing religious figures and former presidents in an absurd scenario, highlighting unexpected commonalities.
In simple terms: Funny because unlikely people are together.
Key Takeaway
Notice how absurdity reveals shared humanity.
Themes
humor
absurdity
unexpected connections
Mood
playful
ironic
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- stand‑up routines
- political cartoons
- creative writing
Key Concepts
satire
social commentary
coincidence
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the absurd setting say about authority?
- How does humor bridge disparate roles?
A Different Perspective
The joke may rely on stereotypes that could offend.
