Meaning: The quote "The landlady of a boarding-house is a parallelogram - that is, an oblong angular figure, which cannot be described, but which is equal to anything" is a witty and humorous observation by Stephen Leacock, a Canadian economist and humorist. Leacock was known for his satirical and ironic writings, and this quote is a good example of his clever and playful style. In this quote, Leacock uses the concept of a parallelogram, a geometric figure with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length, to humorously describe the enigmatic nature of a landlady.

Leacock's comparison of a landlady to a parallelogram is a clever play on words and imagery. A parallelogram is a mathematical concept that is defined by its shape and properties, but Leacock humorously suggests that a landlady, like a parallelogram, is a figure that cannot be easily defined or categorized. The use of the term "oblong angular figure" adds to the absurdity of the comparison, as it emphasizes the vague and indeterminate nature of the landlady's character. By stating that a landlady is "equal to anything," Leacock further emphasizes the unpredictable and varied nature of a landlady's behavior and personality.

The humor in this quote lies in the unexpected and absurd comparison between a landlady and a geometrical figure. The parallelism between the two seemingly unrelated concepts creates a sense of whimsy and surprise for the reader. Furthermore, the use of mathematical terminology to describe a human character adds an element of intellectual playfulness to the quote.

In addition to its humor, the quote can also be interpreted as a commentary on the complexity and diversity of human personalities. By likening a landlady to a shape that is "equal to anything," Leacock suggests that a landlady, like any individual, is multifaceted and cannot be easily pigeonholed or categorized. This interpretation adds depth to the quote, as it hints at the richness and variability of human nature.

Stephen Leacock was known for his ability to blend humor with social commentary, and this quote exemplifies his talent for using wit to make astute observations about human behavior and society. Through the seemingly nonsensical comparison of a landlady to a parallelogram, Leacock invites readers to reflect on the intricacies of human nature and the enigmatic qualities of the people we encounter in our lives.

In conclusion, Stephen Leacock's quote "The landlady of a boarding-house is a parallelogram - that is, an oblong angular figure, which cannot be described, but which is equal to anything" is a clever and humorous observation that uses mathematical imagery to playfully describe the unpredictable and diverse nature of a landlady's character. Through this witty comparison, Leacock invites readers to ponder the complex and multifaceted nature of human personalities, while also eliciting a chuckle with his unexpected and imaginative wordplay.