Books
The Encyclopedia Galactica defines a robot as a mechanical apparatus designed to do the work of a man. The marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation defines a robot as "Your Plastic Pal Who's Fun To Be With."
— Douglas Adams · The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Adams sets two definitions of a robot side by side. The encyclopedia gives a dry, practical one, while the marketing division offers a cheery slogan. The joke is the gap between plain function and corporate gloss.
Context reviewed