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I am not attracted to writers by style. What style do…

“I am not attracted to writers by style. What style do Dickens, Grass, and Vonnegut have in common? How silly! I am attracted to what makes them angry, what makes them passionate, what outrages them, what they applaud and find sympathetic in human beings and what they detest about human beings…” quote by John Irving
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“I am not attracted to writers by style. What style do Dickens, Grass, and Vonnegut have in common? How silly! I am attracted to what makes them angry, what makes them passionate, what outrages them, what they applaud and find sympathetic in human beings and what they detest about human beings, too. They are writers of great emotional range.”

John Irving

About This Quote

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

He values writers who convey strong emotions and convictions over stylistic flair, seeking passion and outrage.

In simple terms: He prefers writers with emotional intensity over style.

Key Takeaway

Seek works that stir strong feelings.

Themes

literature emotion authenticity

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

literary analytical

When to use this quote

  • reading clubs
  • creative writing
  • critical analysis

Key Concepts

psychology passion human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which writer’s anger moved you most?
  • How does emotional range affect your reading?
A Different Perspective

Style can also convey meaning; dismissing it may limit appreciation.

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