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GOOSE, n. A bird that supplies quills for writing. These…

“GOOSE, n. A bird that supplies quills for writing. These [quills] when inked and drawn mechanically across paper by a person called an "author," there results a very fair and accurate transcript of the fowl's thought and feeling.” quote by Ambrose Bierce
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“GOOSE, n. A bird that supplies quills for writing. These [quills] when inked and drawn mechanically across paper by a person called an "author," there results a very fair and accurate transcript of the fowl's thought and feeling.”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A metaphor likening a writer’s work to a bird’s quill, suggesting that writing captures the bird’s inner voice.

In simple terms: Writing records the bird’s thoughts.

Key Takeaway

Use writing to convey hidden perspectives.

Themes

creativity expression metaphor

Mood

reflective playful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • creative writing
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

communication symbolism artistic analogy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does metaphor shape our view of authorship?
  • Can a bird’s thought truly be captured in text?
A Different Perspective

Writing may oversimplify complex emotions.

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