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Comedy Quote by William Cowper

“A story, in which native humour reigns, Is often useful, always entertains; A graver fact, enlisted on your side, May furnish illustration, well applied; But sedentary weavers of long tales Give me the fidgets, and my patience fails.” quote by William Cowper
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“A story, in which native humour reigns, Is often useful, always entertains; A graver fact, enlisted on your side, May furnish illustration, well applied; But sedentary weavers of long tales Give me the fidgets, and my patience fails.”

William Cowper

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Task, 1785

Humor can make serious points more engaging, but endless stories test patience.

In simple terms: Humor aids illustration; long tales can bore.

Key Takeaway

Balance wit with brevity.

Themes

humor illustration patience storytelling

Mood

playful critical

Type

aphilosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • teaching
  • writing
  • entertainment
  • marketing

Key Concepts

literary devices engagement attention span

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can humor clarify without trivializing?
  • When does a story become too long?
A Different Perspective

Humor may oversimplify complex issues.

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