The bartender put a notepad and a pencil before me…
““The bartender put a notepad and a pencil before me. Breathing hard, the pencil trembling, I wrote: Dear Sinclair Lewis: You were once a god, but now you are a swine. I once reverenced you, admired you, and now you are nothing. I came to shake your hand in adoration, you, Lewis, a giant among American writers, and you rejected it. I swear I shall never read another line of yours again. You are an ill-mannered boor. You have betrayed me. I shall tell H. L. Muller about you, and how you have shamed me. I shall tell the world. Arturo Bandini P.S. I hope you choke on your steak.””
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 expresses deep disillusionment with a once‑admired author, turning admiration into contempt.
In simple terms: A fan becomes angry at a writer they once revered.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that admiration can turn to disappointment.
Themes
disillusionment
literary criticism
personal betrayal
Mood
melancholic
critical
Type
literary
personal
When to use this quote
- literary reviews
- personal essays
- public debates
Key Concepts
author reputation
creative influence
emotional response
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal disappointment shape public critique?
- Can criticism remain constructive despite strong emotions?
A Different Perspective
Harsh criticism may alienate readers and peers.