Original artwork, not a still
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy ‧ 1979
"This must be Thursday," said Arthur to himself, sinking low over his beer, "I never could get the hang of Thursdays."
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
A small, petty grievance spoken on the last day of the world, which is exactly Arthur: an Englishman who would rather complain about the weekday than notice the sky filling with spaceships. It has become a standard weary one-liner for a bad day, and it works because Thursday is neither the end of the week nor the start of the weekend.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the GalaxyShow the scene
The line comes from the novel's opening stretch, in the pub. Ford Prefect has coaxed Arthur Dent away from lying in front of the bulldozer that is about to flatten his house, and over drinks the pair swap lines: Ford offers "Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so", Arthur says Ford should send that to the Reader's Digest, then sinks low over his beer with his complaint about Thursdays. Fans note the day: Thursday is when the Vogons destroy Earth, so Arthur's grumble comes within hours of the planet's end.
Sources (3)
- Wikiquote: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the GalaxyChapter 2 sectionReference checked
- Wikipedia: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (novel)Plot summaryReference checked
- Hitchhikers Wiki: ThursdayOpeningReference checked
Context reviewed
