Skewered through and through with office-pens, and bound hand and foot with red tape.
Interpretation
This quote humorously illustrates the overwhelming bureaucracy of office life.
Charles Dickens paints a vivid picture of the constraints and frustrations of work life through this quote. The imagery of being 'skewered' by office pens and bound by 'red tape' symbolizes the ways in which mundane office supplies and bureaucratic regulations can trap and hinder employees, suggesting a critique of the modern working environment where creativity and freedom are stifled by routine and red tape.
In practice
During a corporate presentation on company policy, one might use this quote to illustrate the burdens of bureaucracy.
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Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
My wit is more polished than your mustache. The truth which I speak strikes more sparks from men's hearts than your spurs do from the cobblestones.
I am paid by the word, so I always write the shortest words possible.
The only exercise I take is walking behind the coffins of friends who took exercise.
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The young comedians always ask me, 'What's the secret for staying around?' I tell them, 'There is no secret - just stay around. Longevity is the most important thing.'
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