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The novel comes from a long shamanic tradition wherein the…

“The novel comes from a long shamanic tradition wherein the shaman-storyteller himself is transformed, no longer storyteller but a character, an animal, a god, a goddess, or a natural force that is not his everyday identity. And these moments, when the characters come alive and the author…” quote by Hal Zina Bennett
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““The novel comes from a long shamanic tradition wherein the shaman-storyteller himself is transformed, no longer storyteller but a character, an animal, a god, a goddess, or a natural force that is not his everyday identity. And these moments, when the characters come alive and the author disappears, take us into another world.””

Hal Zina Bennett

About This Quote

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

The novelist transforms into a mythic entity, letting characters dominate and transport readers to alternate realities.

In simple terms: Authors become characters, immersing readers elsewhere.

Key Takeaway

Allow narrative to dissolve authorial self.

Themes

myth transformation storytelling

Mood

mystical immersive

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • role‑play workshops
  • immersive theater
  • creative retreats

Key Concepts

shamanic tradition identity shift character immersion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to become a character?
  • How does this shift affect narrative clarity?
A Different Perspective

Risk of losing authorial control and coherence.

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