--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Like hell he was,\" said the first C.I.D…" description: "\"“Like hell he was,\" said the first C.I.D. man. \"I'm the C.I.D. man arround here.\" Major Major could barely recognize him because he was wearing a faded..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/953/joseph-heller-601_satirical-humor_like-hell-he-was-said-the-first-c-i-d-ma_1845080.png" --- # Like hell he was," said the first C.I.D. man. "I'm the… ![“Like hell he was," said the first C.I.D. man. "I'm the C.I.D. man arround here." Major Major could barely recognize him because he was wearing a faded maroon corduroy bathrobe with open seams under both arms, linty flannel pajamas, & worn house slippers with one flapping sole.” quote by Joseph Heller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/953/joseph-heller-601_satirical-humor_like-hell-he-was-said-the-first-c-i-d-ma_1845080.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/953/joseph-heller-601_satirical-humor_like-hell-he-was-said-the-first-c-i-d-ma_1845080.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/953/joseph-heller-601_satirical-humor_like-hell-he-was-said-the-first-c-i-d-ma_1845080.png) > ““Like hell he was," said the first C.I.D. man. "I'm the C.I.D. man arround here." Major Major could barely recognize him because he was wearing a faded maroon corduroy bathrobe with open seams under both arms, linty flannel pajamas, & worn house slippers with one flapping sole.”” [Joseph Heller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-heller/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A character’s absurd self‑importance is highlighted through exaggerated description of his attire and role. **In simple terms:** Absurd self‑importance shown by ridiculous clothing and title. Key Takeaway Question inflated authority. Themes absurdity authority identity Mood satirical dark ironic Type literary humorous When to use this quote - bureaucratic settings - military life - social hierarchies - personal ego Key Concepts satire existentialism Questions to Reflect On - How does absurdity reveal truth? - When does humor become harmful? 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