I had written short stories that were thought worthy of…
““I had written short stories that were thought worthy of preservation! Was it the same insignificant I that I had always known? Any one walking along the streets might go into any bookshop, and say: 'Please give me Edith Wharton's book'; and the clerk, without bursting into incredulous laughter, would produce it, and be paid for it, and the purchaser would walk home with it and read it, and talk of it, and pass it on to other people to read!””
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 reflects on the paradox of literary fame: works deemed worthy of preservation may be trivial, yet the public treats them as valuable commodities.
In simple terms: Literary fame can be both trivial and valuable.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the difference between perceived and actual worth.
Themes
literature
fame
perception
value
society
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
commentary
literary
When to use this quote
- bookstores
- reading clubs
- literary criticism
- collecting
- teaching
Key Concepts
Cultural capital
authorship
market dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value works for their content or their status?
- How does market demand shape literary reputation?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overstate the uniformity of public taste.