Skip to content

The word 'however' is like an imp coiled beneath your…

“The word 'however' is like an imp coiled beneath your chair. It induces ink to form words you have not yet seen, and lines to march across the page and overshoot the margin. There are no endings. If you think so you are deceived as to their nature. They are all beginnings. Here is one.” quote by Hilary Mantel
Download Open image
“The word 'however' is like an imp coiled beneath your chair. It induces ink to form words you have not yet seen, and lines to march across the page and overshoot the margin. There are no endings. If you think so you are deceived as to their nature. They are all beginnings. Here is one.”

Hilary Mantel

About This Quote

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

The word “however” sparks unexpected ideas, showing that endings are actually beginnings.

In simple terms: “However” opens new thoughts, turning ends into starts.

Key Takeaway

Embrace unexpected turns as new starts.

Themes

creativity language beginnings

Mood

thought‑provoking introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • problem solving
  • brainstorming sessions

Key Concepts

literary analysis writing technique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you turn interruptions into opportunities?
  • What “however” moments have reshaped your work?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance on “however” may cause digression.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Hilary Mantel

Explore all 559 Hilary Mantel quotes

More Chairs quotes

Browse all 1,120 Chairs quotes