“The man's tongue is fit to frighten the French. Another fever."Ah, there," said Morgan, "that comed of sp'iling Bibles."That comed--as you call it--of being arrant asses.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis:
In this quote from Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, the character Morgan criticizes the men for their incompetence and foolishness. The quote highlights the characters' lack of intelligence and the consequences of their actions.
Morgan's sarcastic comment about the man's tongue being fit to "frighten the French" suggests that the man's speech is overbearing and intimidating, but ultimately ineffective. The mention of "Another fever" implies that this is not the first time the man has caused trouble.
Furthermore, Morgan's blaming of the situation on "sp'iling Bibles" and his accusation that they are "arrant asses" points to the men's ignorance and lack of foresight. Their actions have consequences, and their incompetence only exacerbates the situation. Overall, this quote underscores the theme of incompetence and its repercussions in the novel.
Modern Relevance of Stevenson's Quote
In this quote from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," the characters are discussing the unintelligible ramblings of a man suffering from fever. The dialogue highlights the dangers of misinterpreting or misrepresenting information, specifically in this case, the Bible. This concept remains relevant in modern times as misinformation and miscommunication continue to spread easily, leading to misunderstandings and potentially harmful consequences. It serves as a reminder to critically analyze information before jumping to conclusions or spreading false narratives.
Reflection Questions:
In this passage from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," the characters are discussing the effects of superstition and fear. Consider the following questions: 1. How does superstition impact the characters' decisions and actions in this scene? 2. How does language and communication contribute to misunderstandings and conflict among the characters? 3. What themes or motifs can you identify in this passage and how do they relate to the overall story? 4. How does this exchange reflect the larger themes of fear, power, and control in the novel?
Robert Louis Stevenson Quote Example
"The man's tongue is fit to frighten the French. Another fever."Ah, there," said Morgan, "that comed of sp'iling Bibles."That comed--as you call it--of being arrant asses.” - Robert Louis Stevenson
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