Able Quote by Robert Benchley
“I once heard of a murderer who propped his two victims up against a chess board in sporting attitudes and was able to get as far as Seattle before his crime was discovered.”
About This Quote
Source Short story: "The Murderer and the Chessboard", 1935
A darkly comic tale of a murderer using a chessboard as a macabre display, highlighting absurdity in crime.
In simple terms: A killer arranges victims like chess pieces, creating a grotesque puzzle.
Key Takeaway
Beware of absurdity hidden in serious matters.
Themes
dark humor
absurdity
crime
Mood
cynical
ironic
Type
satirical
darkly comedic
When to use this quote
- crime investigation
- literary analysis
- theatrical performance
Key Concepts
morality
symbolism
satire
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the chessboard symbolize?
- How does humor affect our perception of horror?
A Different Perspective
Humor may trivialize real suffering.
