Meaning: The quote by Emo Philips is a humorous take on the traditional notion of asking for a woman's hand in marriage. Emo Philips is an American stand-up comedian known for his eccentric and offbeat humor, often incorporating wordplay and absurdity into his jokes. In this particular quote, he uses a deadpan delivery to create a surreal and unexpected scenario, playing with the idea of seeking permission for marriage from the girlfriend's father in a highly unconventional way.

The quote begins with the straightforward question, "Will you marry me?" which is a significant and often nerve-wracking moment in a romantic relationship. The response from the girlfriend, "We'll have to ask my father," immediately introduces an element of surprise and sets the stage for the unexpected turn of events that follow. The notion of having to seek the father's approval before proceeding with the proposal is a traditional and somewhat outdated custom, and Emo Philips takes this concept to an absurd extreme.

The mention of holding a seance to communicate with the girlfriend's father adds a surreal and supernatural element to the quote. A seance is typically a gathering where individuals attempt to communicate with the spirits of the deceased, and it is a highly unconventional method for seeking permission for marriage. The unexpected appearance of Jack Ruby, a historical figure known for his involvement in the assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald, further adds to the absurdity of the situation. The humorous twist lies in the fact that Jack Ruby's unexpected greeting, "Hello!" serves as his response to the query about marriage approval, completely subverting the traditional expectation of seeking a father's blessing.

Emo Philips' comedic style often involves creating scenarios that are outlandish and unexpected, and this quote is a prime example of his unique approach to humor. By taking a familiar and serious situation, such as a marriage proposal, and injecting it with absurdity and surrealism, he elicits laughter through the sheer unexpectedness of the outcome. The quote also highlights Philips' skill in using wordplay and unconventional imagery to construct a joke that defies expectations and prompts the audience to see the absurdity in everyday rituals and traditions.

In addition to its comedic value, the quote also serves as a commentary on the absurdity of certain societal norms and expectations surrounding marriage and relationships. By exaggerating the traditional idea of seeking permission from the father, Emo Philips draws attention to the often unquestioned customs and rituals that are ingrained in our culture. Through humor, he prompts the audience to reconsider and perhaps even challenge these norms, inviting them to view familiar situations from a different, more absurd perspective.

Overall, Emo Philips' quote about asking for marriage approval through a seance and receiving an unexpected response from Jack Ruby showcases his talent for crafting humor that is surreal, unexpected, and thought-provoking. By subverting traditional expectations and injecting absurdity into a familiar scenario, Philips creates a comedic moment that not only elicits laughter but also prompts reflection on societal norms and customs.