We're always attracted to the edges of what we are, out by the edges where it's a little raw and nervy.
Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that writing allows individuals to express multiple identities and perspectives, resembling schizophrenia in its complexity.
E. L. Doctorow's quote highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of writing, portraying it as a unique medium through which authors can channel various characters, thoughts, and emotions. This creative process resembles schizophrenia, as writers navigate different personas and realities, reflecting the diverse aspects of human experience. It emphasizes the complexity of the writer's mind and the art of storytelling as a means of exploring the human condition.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a literary discussion about the complexities of character development, I might reference Doctorow's quote to illustrate the duality of a writer's perspective.
More from E. L. Doctorow
All quotes βOne of the things I had to learn as a writer was to trust the act of writing. To put myself in the position of writing to find out what I was writing.
In fiction, you know, there are no borders. You can go anywhere.
Books are acts of composition: you compose them. You make music: the music is called fiction.
We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
I've known several cases of writers who decide to write about something and they research the hell out of it and when they're ready to write, they can't move because they are so burdened. I start writing. Whatever I need somehow comes to hand.
Similar quotes
Repertory theater is all about being part of the whole, one of the many colors in this vast palette.
In the writing process, the more the story cooks, the better. The brain works for you even when you are at rest. I find dreams particularly useful. I myself think a great deal before I go to sleep and the details sometimes unfold in the dream.
A music serves truth up to you in a really interesting way that allows you to luxuriate in its beauty and, at the same time, to hopefully see yourself in its fragility.
Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes. "A magic far beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!
If a poet is anybody, he is somebody to whom things made matter very little - somebody who is obsessed by Making.
Ballet is the fairies' baseball.