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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author gained inspiration from overhearing servants rather than formal study.
In plain terms
I learned from listening to servants.
What can you take from it?
Real-life observation beats formal learning for inspiration.

Where it applies

  • researching characters
  • writing stories
  • gathering material

Putting it to work

  • observe people
  • listen to conversations

Questions to consider

  • Where do you get ideas?
  • Do you learn from people?

Another view

Formal study can also provide valuable structure and knowledge.

More from John Millington Synge

  1. These are rotten, so you're the Queen Of all are living, or have been.

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  2. In a good play every speech should be as fully flavoured as a nut or apple.

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  3. Lord, confound this surly sister, Blight her brow with blotch and blister, Cramp her larynx, lung and liver, In her guts a galling give her.

    Permalink to quote #7

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