Black death Quote by P G Wodehouse
![“[Aunt Dahlia to Bertie Wooster] 'To look at you, one would think you were just an ordinary sort of amiable idiot--certifiable, perhaps, but quite harmless. Yet, in reality, you are worse a scourge than the Black Death. I tell you, Bertie, when I contemplate you I seem to come up against all the…” quote by P G Wodehouse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95a/p-g-wodehouse-3-14313_left-alone_aunt-dahlia-to-bertie-wooster-to-look-at_1405675.jpg)
““[Aunt Dahlia to Bertie Wooster] 'To look at you, one would think you were just an ordinary sort of amiable idiot--certifiable, perhaps, but quite harmless. Yet, in reality, you are worse a scourge than the Black Death. I tell you, Bertie, when I contemplate you I seem to come up against all the underlying sorrow and horror of life with such a thud that I feel as if I had walked into a lamp post. I thought as much. Well, it needed but this. I don't see how things could possibly be worse than they are, but no doubt you will succeed in making them so. Your genius and insight will find the way. Carry on, Bertie. Yes, carry on. I am past caring now. I shall even find a faint interest in seeing into what darker and profounder abysses of hell you can plunge this home. Go to it, lad..I remember years ago, when you were in your cradle, being left alone with you one day and you nearly swallowed your rubber comforter and started turning purple. And I, ass that I was, took it out and saved your life. Let me tell you, young Bertie, it will go very hard with you if you ever swallow a rubber comforter again when only I am by to aid.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit” by P G Wodehouse, 1954
The narrator mocks Bertie as a harmless fool but secretly a dangerous force, reflecting the absurdity of over‑inflated self‑importance.
In simple terms: Bertie is seen as both silly and threatening.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the gap between self‑image and reality.
Themes
humor
self‑deception
social critique
Mood
witty
light‑hearted
Type
satire
observational
When to use this quote
- office dynamics
- friendship teasing
- self‑awareness workshops
Key Concepts
literary satire
character study
British comedy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor affect perception of competence?
- When does mockery become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Excessive teasing can damage relationships.
![“[According to 1348 theorists, poisoning of Christian water by Jews was the cause of Black Death.] Even the poison used to contaminate the Christian water supply was described in meticulous detail. It was "about the size of an egg," except when it was the "size of a nut" or a "large nut," "a fist"…” quote by John Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/60b/john-kelly-70258_christianity_according-to-1348-theorists-poisoning-of_206584.jpg)
![“We are all bound thither; we are hastening to the same common goal. Black death calls all things under the sway of its laws. [Lat., Tendimus huc omnes; metam properamus ad unam. Omnia sub leges mors vocat atra suas.]” quote by Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/de9/ovid-276_ads_we-are-all-bound-thither-we-are-hastenin_207246.jpg)