A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Good books reveal their characters honestly. Bad books reveal more about the writer's flaws than the story.
- In plain terms
- A bad novel exposes its author's truth more than its hero.
- What can you take from it?
- Critique art by what it reveals about the creator.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does your art say about you?
- How do you judge a novel?
Another view
Authors may not intend to reveal themselves.
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