We would bestow some pains here in minutely describing all…
““We would bestow some pains here in minutely describing all the mad pranks which Jones played on this occasion could we be well assured that the reader would take the same pains in perusing them, but as we are apprehensive that after all the labour which we should employ in painting this scene the said reader would be very apt to skip it entirely over, we have saved ourself that trouble. To say the truth, we have from this reason alone often done great violence to the luxuriance of our genius, and have left many excellent descriptions out of our work which would otherwise have been in it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author admits omitting vivid, possibly excessive details to keep readers engaged, sacrificing some artistic richness for readability.
In simple terms: He skips some vivid details to keep readers interested.
Key Takeaway
Balance detail with audience patience.
Themes
editing
readership
artistic compromise
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
editorial
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- editing decisions
- reader engagement
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
narrative restraint
authorial choice
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it better to trim detail for clarity?
- How does omission affect reader immersion?
A Different Perspective
Skipping detail may dilute the work’s vividness and depth.