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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker claims to reveal truth through fiction, whereas traditional magicians hide truth behind illusion.
In plain terms
I use lies to show you what is really true.
What can you take from it?
Art can reveal deeper truths by wrapping them in fiction.

Where it applies

  • storytelling
  • theater
  • media consumption

Putting it to work

  • use metaphor
  • question surfaces
  • appreciate art

Questions to consider

  • How do you find truth in fiction?
  • Is a pretty lie better than a harsh truth?

Another view

Illusion can also mislead rather than enlighten.

More from Tennessee Williams

  1. In memory everything seems to happen to music.

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  2. Animals have sections in their stomachs which enable them to digest food without mastication, but human beings are supposed to chew their food before they swal…

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  3. Mother, when you're disappointed, you get that awful suffering look on your face, like the picture of Jesus' mother in the museum!

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