--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Why, Wally,” he said. “Except for leaving…" description: "\"“Why, Wally,” he said. “Except for leaving out the part where Tom continues to be a homicidal maniac, it’s all the truth.”\" — Donald E. Westlake" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/403/donald-e-westlake-4285_truth_why-wally-he-said-except-for-leaving-out_1404812.jpg" --- # Why, Wally,” he said. “Except for leaving out the part… ![“Why, Wally,” he said. “Except for leaving out the part where Tom continues to be a homicidal maniac, it’s all the truth.” quote by Donald E. Westlake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/403/donald-e-westlake-4285_truth_why-wally-he-said-except-for-leaving-out_1404812.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/403/donald-e-westlake-4285_truth_why-wally-he-said-except-for-leaving-out_1404812.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/403/donald-e-westlake-4285_truth_why-wally-he-said-except-for-leaving-out_1404812.jpg) > ““Why, Wally,” he said. “Except for leaving out the part where Tom continues to be a homicidal maniac, it’s all the truth.”” [Donald E. Westlake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-e-westlake/) ## 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 admits that a story is mostly true except for an extreme, violent detail, highlighting the line between fact and exaggeration. **In simple terms:** A story can be mostly true but still have a wild, false part. Key Takeaway Recognize when exaggeration is used for effect. Themes truth exaggeration storytelling humor Mood playful skeptical Type analytical humorous When to use this quote - reading fiction - discussing media literacy - analyzing character dialogue Key Concepts narrative reliability hyperbole Questions to Reflect On - What part of a story do you accept as truth? - How does humor affect credibility? A Different Perspective Exaggeration can mislead if taken literally. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [“  “You can do it, Noodles!” Wally said so loudly everyone heard. I licked his nose, and then ran in a circle. 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