Characters
I thought all writers drank to excess and beat their wives. You know, at one time I secretly wanted to be a writer.
— Dexter · The Philadelphia Story
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The speaker admits believing writers were all heavy drinkers who beat their wives, then confesses a secret ambition to become one. The dark stereotype is delivered casually, and the confession gives the line an uneasy, ironic edge, since the speaker admits to wanting that very world.
Context reviewed