His poor marksmanship must be taken into account. We have just won the most terrible war in history, yet here is a Frenchman who misses his target 6 out of 7 times at point-blank range. Of course, this fellow must be punished for the careless use of a dangerous weapon and for poor marksmanship. I suggest that he be locked up for eight years, with intensive training in a shooting gallery.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker uses sarcasm to mock the harshness of military punishment for minor errors in war.
- In plain terms
- The speaker mocks harsh military punishment for small errors.
- What can you take from it?
- Sarcasm can highlight absurdity in strict disciplinary systems.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is the punishment justified?
- What is the irony?
Another view
Context about the specific event is missing, limiting full understanding.
More from Georges Clemenceau
War is a series of catastrophes that results in a victory.
Permalink to quote #4 Il est plus facile de faire la guerre que la paix.
Permalink to quote #6 Politique interieure, je fais la guerre; politique exterieure, je fais la guerre. Je fais toujours la guerre.
Permalink to quote #3
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