Accountants Quote by John Osborne
“George Bernard Shaw writes like a Pakistani who has learned English when he was twelve years old in order to become an accountant.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Crucible, 1953
A hyperbolic analogy comparing a playwright’s style to a non-native speaker turned accountant.
In simple terms: Comparing writing style to an unlikely background.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the absurdity of forced comparisons.
Themes
literary criticism
identity
absurdity
Mood
ironic
thoughtful
Type
critical
analytical
When to use this quote
- theatre reviews
- literary analysis
- creative writing
- career changes
Key Concepts
cultural appropriation
professional identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a comparison effective?
- When does humor become disrespectful?
A Different Perspective
Risk of offending cultural sensitivities.
![“For all his claims to be just a propagandist, [Bernard Shaw's] writing has an effect nearer to that of music than most of those who have claimed to be writing "dramas of feeling." His plays are a joy to watch, not because they purport to deal with social and political problems, but because they…” quote by W.H. Auden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1b5/w-h-auden-2-7412_bernard-shaw_for-all-his-claims-to-be-just-a-propagan_3033582.jpg)
