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Writing A Letter Quote by Naomi Novik

“He settled for writing a letter, in a quiet corner, while Temeraire dictated his own: "Gentlemen, I am very happy to accept your commission, and we should like to be the eighty-first regiment, if that number is not presently taken. We do not need any rifles, and we have got plenty of powder and…” quote by Naomi Novik
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““He settled for writing a letter, in a quiet corner, while Temeraire dictated his own: "Gentlemen, I am very happy to accept your commission, and we should like to be the eighty-first regiment, if that number is not presently taken. We do not need any rifles, and we have got plenty of powder and shot for our cannons,” Laurence wrote with a vivid awareness of the reactions this should produce, “but we are always in need of more cows and pigs and sheep, and goats would also do, if a good deal easier to come by. Lloyd and our herdsmen have done very well, and I should to commend them to your attention, but there are a lot of us, and some more herdsmen would be very useful.” “Pepper, put in pepper,” another dragon said, craning her head over; she was a middle-weight, yellowish striped with gray, some kind of cross-breed. “And canvas, we must have a lot of canvas—“ “Oh, very well, pepper,” Temeraire said, and continuing his list of requests added, “I should very much like Keynes to come here, and also Gong Su, and Emily Roland, who has my talon-sheaths, and the rest of my crew; and also we need some surgeons for the wounded me. Dorset had better come, too, and some of the other dragon-surgeons. You had all better not stay where you are at present—“ “Temeraire, you cannot write so to your superior officers,” Laurence said, breaking off.””

Naomi Novik

About This Quote

Source Novel: Temeraire series, 2006–2016

A humorous scene shows a dragon writing a formal request, mixing military bureaucracy with absurd demands, highlighting the clash between human and dragon cultures.

In simple terms: A dragon writes a silly, formal request, mixing serious and funny.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humor when dealing with bureaucracy.

Themes

humor bureaucracy culture clash fantasy communication

Mood

playful lighthearted

Type

satirical fantasy dialogue

When to use this quote

  • military planning
  • creative writing
  • role‑playing games
  • team coordination

Key Concepts

satire anthropomorphism military hierarchy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does humor change our view of authority?
  • What can we learn from absurd requests?
A Different Perspective

The joke may downplay the seriousness of actual logistical needs.

4.4 out of 5 (3 ratings)

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