(while taking another character's pulse) Either he's dead or my watch has stopped.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A dark joke suggesting that a dead person or a broken watch are the only reasons for a missing pulse.
- In plain terms
- He jokes that if a pulse is missing, the person is dead or the watch is broken.
- What can you take from it?
- Dark humor often juxtaposes life and mundane objects.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is this a critique of professionalism?
- How does absurdity create humor?
Another view
It trivializes a serious medical situation.
More from Groucho Marx
[To Mrs. Claypool] That woman? You know why I was with her? She reminds me of you. In fact, that's why I'm sitting here with you - because you remind me of you!
Permalink to quote #49 Hey, don't drink that poison! That's $4.00 an ounce!
Permalink to quote #51 [regarding Mrs. Teasdale's late husband] Will you marry me? Did he leave you any money? Answer the second question first.
Permalink to quote #48
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