Groucho: Would you mind getting up off of that fly paper and giving the flies a chance? Chico: Flies can't read papers.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- This dialogue uses wordplay to highlight the absurdity of getting stuck on fly paper.
- In plain terms
- The speaker suggests letting flies go while the other claims they cannot read.
- What can you take from it?
- Wordplay can distract from obvious problems.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does language create confusion?
Another view
The joke relies on literal interpretation rather than deeper insight.
More from Groucho Marx
Do you suppose I could buy back my introduction to you?
Permalink to quote #36 As soon as I get through with you, you'll have a clear case for divorce - and so will my wife.
Permalink to quote #38 I've worked my way up from nothing to a state of extreme poverty.
Permalink to quote #35
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