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To the question of writing at all we have sometimes been…

“To the question of writing at all we have sometimes been counselled to forget it, or rather the writing of books. What is required, we are told, is plays and films. Books are out of date! The book is dead, long live television! One question which is not even raised let alone considered is: Who…” quote by Chinua Achebe
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“To the question of writing at all we have sometimes been counselled to forget it, or rather the writing of books. What is required, we are told, is plays and films. Books are out of date! The book is dead, long live television! One question which is not even raised let alone considered is: Who will write the drama and film scripts when the generation that can read and write has been used up?”

Chinua Achebe

About This Quote

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

The quote warns that focusing solely on visual media threatens literary skills, questioning who will create scripts as reading declines.

In simple terms: Relying only on TV harms writing talent.

Key Takeaway

Preserve reading while embracing new media.

Themes

media literacy culture technology education

Mood

concerned reflective

Type

cautionary critical

When to use this quote

  • schools
  • publishing houses
  • film studios
  • family reading time

Key Concepts

cultural decay media shift creative responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance visual entertainment with reading?
  • What policies support scriptwriting education?
A Different Perspective

If visual media dominate, writing may become a niche skill.

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