Strictures, reproaches, and intemperate speeches from the Senator of Louisiana are really the wailings of an apostle of despair; he has lost control of himself, he is trying to play billiards with elliptical billiard balls and a spiral cue. - Henry Fountain Ashurst
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A critic describes the senator's behavior as the rantings of a despairing man who has lost control.
- In plain terms
- This politician is out of control and acting irrationally.
- What can you take from it?
- Intemperate speeches may signal a loss of self-control.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is this a fair assessment of the senator?
- Does passion look like madness?
Another view
Critics often use exaggerated metaphors to discredit opponents.
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