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Assassin Quote by Terry Pratchett

“Lord Downey was an assassin. Or, rather, an Assassin. The capital letter was important. It separated those curs who went around murdering people for money from the gentlemen who were occasionally consulted by other gentlemen who wished to have removed, for a consideration, any inconvenient…” quote by Terry Pratchett
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““Lord Downey was an assassin. Or, rather, an Assassin. The capital letter was important. It separated those curs who went around murdering people for money from the gentlemen who were occasionally consulted by other gentlemen who wished to have removed, for a consideration, any inconvenient razorblades from the candyfloss of life.””

Terry Pratchett

About This Quote

Source Novel: Discworld series, 1995

Capitalizing “Assassin” distinguishes professional killers from genteel, contract‑based ones, highlighting social nuance.

In simple terms: Capital letters signal social status.

Key Takeaway

Notice subtle language cues.

Themes

language social hierarchy humor

Mood

witty critical

Type

satirical observational

When to use this quote

  • reading literature
  • writing satire
  • character analysis

Key Concepts

capitalization class distinction irony

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does capitalizing a word change in perception?
  • How does humor reveal social structures?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on nuance may obscure broader themes.

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