I have been a soreheaded occupant of a file drawer labeled 'Science Fiction' ... and I would like out, particularly since so many serious critics regularly mistake the drawer for a urinal.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Vonnegut expresses frustration at being categorized as a science fiction writer, especially when critics treat the genre as something to be used and discarded rather than respected.
- In plain terms
- He is tired of being stuck in a label that serious critics disrespect.
- What can you take from it?
- Genres are often undervalued by critics who should treat them with more respect.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do labels affect artistic merit?
- Why do some genres get less respect?
Another view
Critics may not see genre fiction as legitimate art.
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