Discworld Quote by Terry Pratchett
““Two uniformed trolls were standing in front of Sergeant Colon's high desk, with a slightly smaller troll between them. This troll was wearing a slightly downcast expression. It was also wearing a tutu and had a small pair of gauzed wings glued to its back. " - happen to know that trolls don't have any tradition of a Tooth Fairy," Colon was saying. "Especially not one called' - he looked down - "Clinkerbell. So how about we just call it breaking and entering without a Thieves' Guild license?" "Is racial prejudice, not letting trolls have a Tooth Fairy," Clinkerbell muttered. One of the troll guards upended a sack on the desk. Various items of silverwear cascaded over the paperwork. "And this is what you found under their pillows, was it?" said Colon. "Bless dere little hearts," said Clinkerbell.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Discworld – “Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett, 1989
A bureaucratic officer uses absurd legal language to mock the absurdity of imposing arbitrary rules on fantastical beings.
In simple terms: Authority can be absurd when it overreaches into nonsense.
Key Takeaway
Question authority that lacks sense.
Themes
bureaucracy
absurdity
prejudice
law
fantasy
Mood
witty
critical
humorous
Type
satire
commentary
fantasy
When to use this quote
- courtroom
- fantasy setting
- policy making
- social commentary
Key Concepts
legalism
satire
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What rules seem arbitrary in your life?
- How does satire reveal power abuse?
A Different Perspective
The humor may downplay real discrimination faced by marginalized groups.
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