There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of human nature.
Washington IrvingRead
The land of literature is a fairy land to those who view it at a distance, but, like all other landscapes, the charm fades on a nearer approach, and the thorns and briars become visible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Literature appears enchanting from afar, but closer examination reveals its complexities and challenges.
Washington Irving's quote suggests that while literature may seem magical and idyllic when viewed from a distance, a closer look uncovers the struggles and imperfections within it. The beauty of storytelling and writing can sometimes mask the hard work, difficulties, and flaws that are inherent in the creative process, just as a beautiful landscape may hide its own obstacles.
Themes
LiteratureBeautyChallengesWritingCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a book club discussion, one might say, 'As Irving pointed out, literature can seem magical until we dig deeper.'
More from Washington Irving
All quotes →There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
Washington IrvingRead
Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.
Washington IrvingRead
Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.
Washington IrvingRead
The easiest thing to do, whenever you fail, is to put yourself down by blaming your lack of ability for your misfortunes.
Washington IrvingRead
If I can, by a lucky chance, in these uneasy days, rub out one wrinkle from the brow of care, or beguile the heavy heart of one moment of sadness; if I can, how and then, prompt a happier view of human nature, and make my reader more in good humor with his fellow-beings and himself, surely, I shall not have written in vain.
Washington IrvingRead
Similar quotes
Great literature cannot grow from a neglected or impoverished soil. Only if we actually tend or care will it transpire that every hundred years or so we might get a Middlemarch.
P. D. JamesRead
It perhaps might be said--if any one dared--that the most worthless literature of the world has been that which has been written by the men of one nation concerning the men of another.
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A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead
The king died and then the queen died is a story. The king died, and then queen died of grief is a plot.
E. M. ForsterRead
Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for.
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My favorite literary heroine is Jo March. It is hard to overstate what she meant to a small, plain girl called Jo, who had a hot temper and a burning ambition to be a writer.
J. K. RowlingRead