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Allan poe Quote by P.G. Wodehouse

“Sippy had described them as England's premier warts, and it looked to me as if he might be about right. Professor Pringle was a thinnish, baldish, dyspeptic-lookingish cove with an eye like a haddock, while Mrs Pringle's aspect was that of one who had had bad news round about the year 1900 and…” quote by P.G. Wodehouse
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““Sippy had described them as England's premier warts, and it looked to me as if he might be about right. Professor Pringle was a thinnish, baldish, dyspeptic-lookingish cove with an eye like a haddock, while Mrs Pringle's aspect was that of one who had had bad news round about the year 1900 and never really got over it. And I was just staggering under the impact of these two when I was introduced to a couple of ancient females with shawls all over them. "No doubt you remember my mother?" said Professor Pringle mournfully, indicating Exhibit A. "Oh - ah!" I said, achieving a bit of a beam. "And my aunt," sighed the Prof, as if things were getting worse and worse. "Well, well, well!" I said shooting another beam in the direction of Exhibit B. "They were saying only this morning that they remembered you," groaned the Prof, abandoning all hope. There was a pause. The whole strength of the company gazed at me like a family group out of one of Edgar Allan Poe's less cheery yarns, and I felt my joie de vivre dying at the roots. "I remember Oliver," said Exhibit A. She heaved a sigh. "He was such a pretty child. What a pity! What a pity!" Tactful, of course, and calculated to put the guest completely at his ease.””

P.G. Wodehouse

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Code of the Woosters, 1938

A satirical scene where the narrator feels overwhelmed by eccentric characters, highlighting social pretensions and absurdity.

In simple terms: The narrator is swamped by odd, pompous people.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and humor absurdity in social gatherings.

Themes

satire social commentary absurdity

Mood

wry ironic

Type

literary humorous

When to use this quote

  • high society events
  • family gatherings
  • office meetings
  • formal introductions

Key Concepts

British humor character caricature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you react when surrounded by pretentious behavior?
  • Can humor defuse social tension?
A Different Perspective

The humor may mask underlying genuine discomfort.

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