Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is Shrek's whole character in six words: an ogre who wants to be left alone and is outraged that nobody respects his swamp. The humour is that he is the one who sounds put-upon, not the monster. Fans quote it whenever someone has barged into their space, and the swamp has since become the film's shorthand for home, privacy and a mood.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for ShrekShow the scene
Early in Shrek (2001), the ogre comes home after dark to find his swamp crowded with fairy-tale creatures. Lord Farquaad has banished them from Duloc, and they have moved into Shrek's house uninvited. He has just grumbled that he lives in a swamp, puts up signs and is a terrifying ogre, so what does it take to get some privacy? Mike Myers' Shrek bellows the question at the squatters, who echo "Swamp!" back in a panic. He then orders them all out, which sets up his trip to Duloc to demand his swamp back.
Sources (2)
- Shrek (2001) transcriptThe swamp scene, shortly after Shrek returns homeReference checked
- Shrek (film), Shrek wikiPlotReference checked
Context reviewed
