Drinking coffee Quote by James Purdy
““One morning while drinking coffee with Amos, Daniel Haws looked up suddenly, as if feeling the boy’s eyes on him, and said: “Tryin’ to burn holes starin’ like that?” “Guess I was just resting my eyes on you so as not to look at your wallpaper,” Amos gave a sour apology. Daniel closed the book he was reading, a volume of Rhodes’s history of the United States, and took a careful look at the kitchen wallpaper. “Yes,” he admitted, “that wallpaper is goddam ancient.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Wallpaper” by James Purdy, 1970
A humorous exchange reveals a character’s embarrassment about an outdated, garish wallpaper and his attempt to deflect attention.
In simple terms: A man hides his embarrassment about old wallpaper.
Key Takeaway
Accept imperfections and laugh at them.
Themes
humor
embarrassment
social interaction
Mood
lighthearted
ironic
Type
anecdotal
conversational
When to use this quote
- home décor
- social gatherings
- personal insecurities
Key Concepts
self‑deception
deflection
nostalgia
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the wallpaper symbolize for the characters?
- How can humor ease social discomfort?
A Different Perspective
Humor may mask deeper insecurities.
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