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It's figurative language used to indicate that a small job is being handled as if it were a much bigger job. Like if someone were teasing another person by writing 41 questions about a certain short story by James Thurber knowing that that other person would have to answer them, that other person might say to her, "What are you lifting the oxcart out of the ditch?" Let's face it, there are easier ways to tease someone than by writing 41 questions for him to answer.

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Q: What does Are you lifting the oxcart out of the ditch mean in 'The Catbird Seat' by James Thurber?
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Related questions

What year did James Thurber write The Catbird Seat?

This story was published in 'The New Yorker' magazine on November 14, 1942


Who is the obstacle character in 'The Catbird Seat' by James Thurber?

The obstacle character in "The Catbird Seat" by James Thurber is Mrs. Barrows. She is a new and disruptive force at the F&S company who threatens the orderly and calm life of the protagonist, Mr. Martin. Her intrusive and abrasive manner challenges Mr. Martin's patience and prompts him to take drastic action to remove her.


What does F and S stand for in 'The Catbird Seat' by James Thurber?

In "The Catbird Seat" by James Thurber, F stands for Mrs. Fitweiler and S stands for Mr. Martin. Mrs. Fitweiler is Martin's boss and represents the new efficiency expert threatening his job, while Mr. Martin is the protagonist who plans to get rid of her by acting suspiciously.


What are the three types of ironies in 'The Catbird Seat' by James Thurber?

The three types of ironies in "The Catbird Seat" are dramatic irony, situational irony, and verbal irony. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not. Situational irony involves a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. Verbal irony is when a character says one thing but means another.


What is James Thurber's birthday?

James Thurber was born on December 8, 1894.


When was James Thurber born?

James Thurber died on November 2, 1961 at the age of 66.


What was the main event that happenin The Catbird Seat?

The Catbird Seat is a short story written by James Thurber. While there are several things that happen in the course of the story, the main event is when Mr. Martin visits Miss Barrows apartment with the intent to kill her but instead decides to hatch a plan to get her fired .


Compare and contrast mr martin's and ulgine barrow's personalities in 'The Catbird Seat' by James Thurber?

Mr. Martin is a perfect gentleman, has no vices and quietly does his job most efficiently. Mrs. Barrows, on the other hand, is overbearing, rude and inconsiderate. James Thurber is perhaps one of the best authors to capture the true nature of the human character. This is what makes him such a delightful read.


How old was James Thurber at death?

James Thurber died on November 2, 1961 at the age of 66.


What is James Thurber most famous for?

James Thurber was best known for his cartoons and short stories that were published in The New Yorker.


Who were thurber and Emerson?

Thurber and Emerson refers to James Thurber and Ralph Waldo Emerson, two American essayists. Thurber was born in Ohio, and Emerson was born in Massachusetts.


Is James Thurber still alive?

no.