Be Careful What You Wish For
Quibbles often appear in fiction as wishes that are taken too literally resulting in a troublesome or dark situation.Escaping The Inescapable
Quibbles are commonly used to resolve a plot. For example, in Norse mythology, Loki bets his head to Brokkr and losses. Loki argues that the bet said nothing of his neck and that Brokkr can only have his head if his neck remains undamaged.Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice uses a similar escape for Antonio who owes Shylock a pound of flesh. Antonio is saved when it is pointed out that he owes Shylock no blood. Therefore Shylock can collect only if he sheds no blood.| Overview: Quibble | ||
Type | Storytelling | |
Definition | A plot device that uses a technicality to solve or create a problem. | |
Related Concepts | ||
