I may be a burglar...but I'm an honest one, I hope, more or less.
Interpretation
The quote humorously acknowledges a moral complexity in a character who engages in theft while claiming honesty.
In this quote, J. R. R. Tolkien presents a character who identifies as a burglar but juxtaposes this identity with a claim of honesty, highlighting the irony and complexity of human nature. It suggests that individuals may have conflicting traits, and the humorous admission reflects a nuanced perspective on morality, where even those who engage in morally questionable actions can possess redeeming qualities.
In practice
This quote could be used in a discussion about moral ambiguity in literature.
All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?
Go not to the Elves for counsel,_x000D_ for they will say both no and yes._x000D_ Elves seldom give unguarded advice,_x000D_ for advice is a dangerous gift,_x000D_ even from the wise to the wise,_x000D_ and all courses may run ill.
What did I tell you, Mr. Pippin?' said Sam, sheathing his sword. 'Wolves won't get him. That was an eye-opener, and no mistake! Nearly singed the hair off my head!
Under the Mountain dark and tall The King has come unto his hall! His foe is dead, the Worm of Dread, And ever so his foes shall fall. The sword is sharp, the spear is long, The arrow swift, the Gate is strong; The heart is bold that looks on gold; The dwarves no more shall suffer wrong. The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fells like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath the fells. -from The Hobbit (Dwarves Battle Song)
The chief purpose of life, for any of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks.
Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
The humor is that finally when you have the power to move the mountain, you are the person who placed it there-so there the mountain stays.
The capacity of human beings to bore one another seems to be vastly greater than that of any other animal.
You know what's a great way of tricking people into thinking you're a genius? Write a show about geniuses!
Don't stay in bed, unless you can make money in bed.
There's a difference between being a comic and a comedian. A comic is a guy who says funny things, and a comedian is a guy who says things funny, and he has a style and point of view that will last much longer.
I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.
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