Apocalypse Quote by Glenway Wescott
““For Alwyn's grandfather, who was known as "the greatest talker in the country," used words which no one else understood, words which he did not understand, and words which do not exist, to swell a passionate theme, to confound his neighbors in an argument, and for their own sake. He would say, for example, "My farm was the very apocalypse of fertility, but the renter has rested on his oars till it is good for nothing," or "Manifest the bounty to pass the salt shaker in my direction." Something of the Bible, something of an Irish inheritance, something of a liar's anxiety, made of his most ordinary remark a strange and wearisome oratory.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Narrative of Alwyn's Grandfather, author unknown, 1930s
A verbose, incomprehensible speaker uses invented language to impress and confound listeners, blending cultural references and personal anxieties into convoluted speech.
In simple terms: A talker uses nonsense words to impress and confuse others.
Key Takeaway
Beware of overcomplicating communication.
Themes
communication
language
confusion
pretension
culture
Mood
confused
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- teaching
- writing
- debate
- storytelling
Key Concepts
linguistics
social performance
identity
anxiety
Questions to Reflect On
- How does complexity affect understanding?
- When is elaborate language useful?
A Different Perspective
The style may alienate listeners and obscure meaning.
