Hell Quote by Jonathan L. Howard
““This is Hell," he tried to explain for the third time. "Not a drop-in centre. You can't just turn up and say, 'Oh, I was just in the neighbourhood and thought I'd call by and have a bit of a chinwag with Lord Satan.' It simply isn't done." "No," said the infuriating mortal. "It hasn't been done. There is a difference. May I pass now?" "No, you may not. Satan's a very busy . . . um, is very busy right now. He can't go interrupting his work for every Tom, Dick, and Johannes"--he paused for effect, but the human just looked at him with a faint air of what seemed to be pity--"Harry, that is, who turns up demanding audience." "Really?" said Cabal. "I had no idea. I thought this would be an uncommon occurrence, unique even, but you seem to imply that it happens all the time. Fair enough.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker, 1986
A character attempts to justify repeatedly visiting Satan, but is rebuffed, highlighting the absurdity of demanding audiences from a powerful being.
In simple terms: Trying to get Satan's attention is futile and absurd.
Key Takeaway
Accept that some doors are not meant to be opened.
Themes
absurdity
power dynamics
etiquette
Mood
ironic
darkly humorous
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- seeking forbidden knowledge
- rituals
- personal ambition
- spiritual encounters
Key Concepts
mythology
authority
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we seek attention from forces beyond our control?
- What does this say about human entitlement?
A Different Perspective
Even a powerful entity has limits on what it will entertain.
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