Afternoon Quote by Gustave Flaubert
“Since you are now studying geometry and trigonometry, I will give you a problem. A ship sails the ocean. It left Boston with a cargo of wool. It grosses 200 tons. It is bound for Le Havre. The mainmast is broken, the cabin boy is on deck, there are 12 passengers aboard, the wind is blowing East-North-East, the clock points to a quarter past three in the afternoon. It is the month of May. How old is the captain?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Sentimental Education, 1869
A nonsensical geometry problem illustrates absurdity of irrelevant details.
In simple terms: The question is meaningless.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when details distract from core issues.
Themes
absurdity
logic
critical thinking
humor
Mood
witty
ironic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- literary analysis
- public speaking
Key Concepts
philosophical satire
rhetorical device
Questions to Reflect On
- Why include irrelevant data?
- How does absurdity reveal truth?
A Different Perspective
It may confuse readers unfamiliar with satire.
