D.H. Lawrence, I think, defined the difference between…
“D.H. Lawrence, I think, defined the difference between writing an article and writing a novel very well. He said, in writing a novel, the writer must be able to identify emotionally and intellectually with two or three or four contradicting perspectives and give each of them very a convincing voice. It's like playing tennis with yourself and you have to be on both sides of the yard. You have to be on both sides, or all sides if there are more than two sides.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writing a novel requires embodying multiple conflicting viewpoints, giving each a credible voice, like playing tennis against oneself.
In simple terms: Novelists must hold and argue several opposing perspectives.
Key Takeaway
Embrace diverse inner dialogues.
Themes
literature
creativity
perspective
conflict
writing
Mood
analytical
inspirational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative workshops
- fiction writing
- character development
- editorial reviews
Key Concepts
multiperspectivism
empathy
narrative voice
Questions to Reflect On
- Which conflicting voice dominates your story?
- How do you balance them?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on too many sides can dilute narrative focus.