Click here: Peanuts (May 16, 1956)Click here: Peanuts (July 22, 1964)The following Peanuts strip was published by Charles Schulz just five days before Bill Watterson published today’s Calvin and Hobbes. But since both Schulz and Watterson drew their strips weeks in advance, in this case it is simply coincidence that Watterson had a theme similar to Schulz.Click here: Peanuts (August 30, 1993)
Calvin’s young, but by 6 I had learned that any question from a mother beginning with the words “Would you” or “Do you want to” is not a question—it means “do this, now!”Many parent-questions are not questions. Such as “Do you know what time it is?” (Translation: you are so dead!) “Do you want me to smack you?”, or the classic, “Do you think I’m stupid?”
cdward: which is why one never says “would you” or “will you” when giving someone an instruction. (order) You can soften and sweeten it with a smile and inflection, but the order remains… better get that straight, Calvin.
Mom’s mistake was phrasing her request as a question: “Would you please …” giving the illusion that the child has a choice. She should have known that would lead to trouble with a literal-minded kid like Calvin.
Thanks, Tacopielvr. As I read new strips, I keep records of my favorites to that I can locate them later. Some days, I read a lot of strips and don’t find any that I want to remember for later. Other days, there are several.
(Mom catches Calvin throwing eggs against the kitchen wall…)“YOU’RE THROWING EGGS AGAINST THE WALL??? WHAT ON EARTH HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU?!!”Calvin: “Alien manipulation?”(Calvin, now banished to his room): “I don’t even know why I try, Mom NEVER buys it!”
ratlum about 11 years ago
You are so right except when Mom says do it.
favm about 11 years ago
When mom speaks, it is not a mater of enthusiasm.
Hobbes Premium Member about 11 years ago
Calvin feels like Mom just dishes out the chores.In panel 2, Mom doesn’t look very enthusiastic about Calvin’s response.
g55rumpy about 11 years ago
i walked in at mom & dad`s once; “here`s our brave volunteer”. i got to put in a new toilet
margueritem about 11 years ago
Calvin has a lot of surprises coming to him as he goes through life.
legaleagle48 about 11 years ago
It wasn’t an actual question, Calvin. It was, in fact, a rhetorical demand.
Hobbes Premium Member about 11 years ago
Here’s what happened the last time Calvin refused:Click here: Calvin and Hobbes (September 23, 1992)
Hobbes Premium Member about 11 years ago
Click here: Peanuts (May 16, 1956)Click here: Peanuts (July 22, 1964)The following Peanuts strip was published by Charles Schulz just five days before Bill Watterson published today’s Calvin and Hobbes. But since both Schulz and Watterson drew their strips weeks in advance, in this case it is simply coincidence that Watterson had a theme similar to Schulz.Click here: Peanuts (August 30, 1993)
Hobbes Premium Member about 11 years ago
Click here: Ziggy (January 17, 1986)
rentier about 11 years ago
Very nice, doing it, Calvin, we all are not so enthusiastic to do many things, we have to!!
Aaron Saltzer about 11 years ago
What mom says, goes, when you’re only six.
orinoco womble about 11 years ago
Calvin’s young, but by 6 I had learned that any question from a mother beginning with the words “Would you” or “Do you want to” is not a question—it means “do this, now!”Many parent-questions are not questions. Such as “Do you know what time it is?” (Translation: you are so dead!) “Do you want me to smack you?”, or the classic, “Do you think I’m stupid?”
GROG Premium Member about 11 years ago
That was not a request, Calvin.
dustspecks Premium Member almost 11 years ago
The work world awaits you, Calvin.
Belaani almost 11 years ago
cdward: which is why one never says “would you” or “will you” when giving someone an instruction. (order) You can soften and sweeten it with a smile and inflection, but the order remains… better get that straight, Calvin.
yaakovashoshana almost 11 years ago
Mom’s mistake was phrasing her request as a question: “Would you please …” giving the illusion that the child has a choice. She should have known that would lead to trouble with a literal-minded kid like Calvin.
tacobacon.j almost 11 years ago
same here
DixieNormous_69 almost 11 years ago
If want to eat, you will learn to be enthusiastic, li’l, Calvin!
cb795 almost 11 years ago
Set the dang table or eat with Hobbes tonight, kid… your choice… hope he knows how to cook.
Hobbes Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Thanks, Tacopielvr. As I read new strips, I keep records of my favorites to that I can locate them later. Some days, I read a lot of strips and don’t find any that I want to remember for later. Other days, there are several.
MarvinsFortune almost 11 years ago
Not going to get out of this one today, Calvin.
tuslog64 almost 11 years ago
Like to eat, though, don’t you?
Puddleglum2 almost 11 years ago
Sometimes, Mom is ’meal’ymouthed’!
watmiwori almost 11 years ago
Or if not enthusiasric, at least grudgingly compliant…if he knows what’s good for him.
dirgis3 almost 11 years ago
It sounded like it could also be a threat, that since no enthusiasm, oops!, sorry I dropped the dishes. But then, he’d probably only do that once.
locake almost 11 years ago
I guess he does not want to eat either.
mistercatworks almost 11 years ago
Curb your enthusiasm, Calvin.
rickray777 almost 11 years ago
(Mom catches Calvin throwing eggs against the kitchen wall…)“YOU’RE THROWING EGGS AGAINST THE WALL??? WHAT ON EARTH HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU?!!”Calvin: “Alien manipulation?”(Calvin, now banished to his room): “I don’t even know why I try, Mom NEVER buys it!”
rickray777 almost 11 years ago
Setting the table builds character, Calvin. Keep at it.
tammyspeakslife Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Yes and mom is thrilled to make you 3 meals a day
K M almost 11 years ago
Just wait till you have to get a job, boy.
brocktheboss1213 almost 11 years ago
Amen, Calvin
azbear3 almost 11 years ago
Come on Calvin wait till you get a job.
lizilu almost 11 years ago
If you strive for mediocrity, you’ll never HAVE (or want) to be enthusastic.