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When I finish a sentence, after much labor, it's finished…

“When I finish a sentence, after much labor, it's finished. A certain point comes at which you can't do any more work on it because you know it will kill the sentence.” quote by John Banville
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“When I finish a sentence, after much labor, it's finished. A certain point comes at which you can't do any more work on it because you know it will kill the sentence.”

John Banville

About This Quote

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

The writer describes the moment a sentence reaches completion, where further editing would damage its integrity.

In simple terms: A finished sentence should not be over‑edited.

Key Takeaway

Respect the natural end of a piece.

Themes

writing editing creativity discipline artistic integrity

Mood

reflective analytical instructive

Type

literary professional philosophical

When to use this quote

  • drafting
  • final revisions
  • creative burnout

Key Concepts

process of composition creative limits authorial judgment

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you stop refining your work?
  • How do you recognize a sentence’s natural end?
A Different Perspective

Over‑editing can stifle originality.

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