Humour Quote by Patrick O'Brian
““Mr Mowett,' called Stephen in the pause while the table was clearing to make room for the pudding, and pudding-wine—in this case Frontignan and Canary—was handing about, 'you were telling me about your publishers.' 'Yes, sir: I was about to say that they were the most hellish procrastinators—' 'Oh how dreadful,' cried Fanny. 'Do they go to—to special houses, or do they ...' 'He means they delay,' said Babbington. 'Oh.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Master and Commander, 1969
Characters discuss procrastination as a hellish habit in publishing
In simple terms: Procrastination is a severe problem for publishers
Key Takeaway
Address procrastination directly
Themes
literature
humor
procrastination
Mood
witty
critical
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- Writing workshops
- project management
- editing processes
Key Concepts
Narrative pacing
character dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor reveal work habits?
- Can procrastination be productive?
A Different Perspective
May exaggerate for comedic effect
