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About this quote

What does it mean?
Great literature expresses knowledge of the human heart; great art resolves conflicts between external demands and inner needs.
In plain terms
Good stories show understanding of feelings. Good art balances outside and inside.
What can you take from it?
Create art that balances inner and outer demands.

Where it applies

  • art creation
  • criticism
  • storytelling

Putting it to work

  • analyze human emotion in work
  • balance audience and self

Questions to consider

  • What conflicts does your art solve?
  • How do you express the human heart?

Another view

Audience interpretation varies beyond creator intent.

More from Edith Hamilton

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