Communication Quote by Mervyn Peake
““The laugh of Doctor Prunesquallor was part of his conversation and quite alarming when heard for the first time. It appeared to be out of control as though it were a part of his voice, a top-storey of his vocal range that only came into its own when the doctor laughed. There was something about it of wind whistling through high rafters and there was a good deal of the horse’s whinny, with a touch of the curlew. When giving vent to it, the doctor’s mouth would be practically immobile like the door of a cabinet left ajar. Between the laughs he would speak very rapidly, which made the sudden stillness of his beautifully shaven jaws at the time of laughter all the more extraordinary. The laugh was not necessarily connected with humour at all. It was simply a part of his conversation.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake, 1947
A character’s laugh is described as an eerie, animalistic sound that merges with his speech, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
In simple terms: The doctor’s laugh is odd and unsettling, blending with his speech.
Key Takeaway
Notice how tone can convey meaning beyond words.
Themes
characterization
voice
atmosphere
Mood
creepy
intriguing
Type
literary
descriptive
When to use this quote
- reading gothic fiction
- analyzing character dialogue
- writing descriptive prose
Key Concepts
psychology
sound design
literary style
Questions to Reflect On
- How does an unusual laugh affect perception of a character?
- What does this reveal about the character’s inner state?
A Different Perspective
The description may be too elaborate for readers seeking straightforward narrative.
