He's a waiter, not a Mafia stooge, so what's he going to do? Blac pepper them to death? Compliment them into a coma? Run them over with the dessert trolley?
In Marian Keyes' novel "Watermelon," the character's humorous predicament is highlighted through a witty observation that reveals the absurdity of their situation. The quote reflects the protagonist's frustration with a waiter who seems unable to take decisive action, emphasizing the limitations of his role. Rather than exhibiting any typical heroism or confrontational behavior, the waiter is portrayed in a comedic light, suggesting that his only response would be trivial attempts despite the gravity of the circumstances.
This quote cleverly showcases the intersection of humor and reality within the narrative, illustrating how ordinary individuals navigate challenging situations. The exaggerated suggestions, like using black pepper or desserts as weapons, underscore the absurdity of expecting such a character to engage in anything but mundane tasks, creating a contrast between the expected drama and the actual experience of the characters. This light-hearted approach adds depth to the story while highlighting the intricacies of everyday life.