Bus driver Quote by J.D. Salinger
““While he was doing it, I went over to my window and opened it and packed a snowball with my bare hands. The snow was very good for packing. I didn’t throw it at anything, though. I started to throw it. At a car that was parked across the street. But I changed my mind. The car looked so nice and white. Then I started to throw it at a hydrant, but that looked too nice and white, too. Finally I didn’t throw it at anything. All I did was close the window and walk around the room with the snowball, packing it harder. A little while later, I still had it with me when I and Brossard and Ackley got on the bus. The bus driver opened the doors and made me throw it out. I wasn’t going to chuck it at anybody, but he wouldn’t believe me. People never believe you.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: Unpublished anecdote, author unknown
A person builds a snowball, hesitates to throw it, and faces disbelief when forced to discard it, highlighting themes of innocence, authority, and the absurdity of forced actions.
In simple terms: Making a snowball, then being forced to throw it away, shows how authority can clash with personal intent.
Key Takeaway
Question authority when it feels arbitrary.
Themes
innocence
authority
absurdity
childhood
rebellion
Mood
confused
amused
skeptical
Type
anecdotal
humorous
When to use this quote
- playful childhood moments
- public transport
- conflict with authority
Key Concepts
agency
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you felt forced to act against your will?
- Why do people doubt unusual personal experiences?
A Different Perspective
The narrator’s claim may be fabricated.
