Penis Quote by William H. Gass
““How fares the thumb, boy? well? Aye, merry, ’tis the sign of the penis. With the women, look you, observe the ear. The parts appear and come together. So obesity and malice. So grumbling and nagging. So gossip, envy, spite, and avarice. Slowly settling into. So feminine weakness. Heartless piety. Savage morals. They come together. No more goody geedge. Ruthless, lifelong revenge. Zrrr. Grease in a cold pan. Stay off from gingerly lobed and delicately whorled ones. Thus appear the parts. Mind your uncle, boy, who knows. And the men then. Lewd speech and slovenly habits. And the peasant’s suspicion, his cruelty and rancor, his anger, drunkenness, pig-headed ignorance and bestiality. Inevitable they should be parts. Hoolyhoohoo. All in the normal course of nature. And they were saying we had evolved. What did it mean? But, he said in a voice that was clearly audible, I protest this world of unilluminated cocks. He caught the sense of his own words—so absurd—and his body began to shake—half in laughter, half in despair.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Tunnel, William H. Gass, 1995
The passage satirically lists human flaws, suggesting they are innate and chaotic, yet bound together in society.
In simple terms: Human flaws are many, chaotic, and interconnected.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront collective imperfections.
Themes
flaws
human nature
satire
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- education
- media analysis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Which listed flaws resonate most with you?
- How does acknowledging flaws affect societal change?
A Different Perspective
Satire may oversimplify complex social dynamics.
