Skip to content

Aphorisms are bad for novels. They stick in the reader's…

“Aphorisms are bad for novels. They stick in the reader's teeth.” quote by Anatole Broyard
Download Open image
“Aphorisms are bad for novels. They stick in the reader's teeth.”

Anatole Broyard

About This Quote

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

Aphorisms can feel forced in fiction, disrupting narrative flow and immersion

In simple terms: Short, catchy sayings may clash with novel storytelling

Key Takeaway

Avoid overusing aphorisms in prose

Themes

writing novel structure

Mood

critical reflective

Type

literary advisory

When to use this quote

  • novel drafting
  • editing
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

literary criticism narrative immersion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance wit and narrative?
  • When is a proverb effective in a story?
A Different Perspective

Readers may find them jarring or pretentious

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Anatole Broyard

Explore all 48 Anatole Broyard quotes

More Aphorism quotes

Browse all 399 Aphorism quotes