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About this quote

What does it mean?
Shaw suggests his plays are a cost incurred by his verbose prefaces.
In plain terms
His writing outside the plays might not be worth the effort.
What can you take from it?
Focus on the main work rather than excessive commentary.

Where it applies

  • literary analysis
  • artistic critique
  • publishing

Putting it to work

  • prioritize core work
  • limit commentary

Questions to consider

  • Is extra writing worth the cost?
  • What adds value to art?

Another view

Prefaces can offer valuable context for the plays.

More from George Bernard Shaw

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  2. Shaw knows at any moment, on any subject, what he thinks, what you will think, what others have thought, what all this thinking entails; and he takes the most …

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  3. Seeing clearly within himself and always able to dodge around the ends of any position, including his own, Shaw assumed from the start the dual role of prophet…

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