The selective instinct of the artist tells him when his…
“The selective instinct of the artist tells him when his language should be homely, and when it should be more elevated; and it is precisely in the imperceptible blending of the plain with the ornate that a great writer is distinguished. He uses the simplest phrases without triviality, and the grandest without a suggestion of grandiloquence.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A writer must balance plain and elevated language, blending them subtly to achieve distinction without pretension.
In simple terms: Great writers mix simple and lofty words naturally.
Key Takeaway
Aim for natural elegance in your writing.
Themes
style
balance
elegance
Mood
analytical
inspirational
Type
instructional
reflective
When to use this quote
- crafting essays
- editing novels
- teaching writing
Key Concepts
literary theory
voice
tone
Questions to Reflect On
- When do you choose simplicity over grandeur?
- How can you ensure elegance without sounding pretentious?
A Different Perspective
The ideal may be hard to achieve consistently across all genres.