I'm not a twentieth-century novelist, I'm not modern, and…
“I'm not a twentieth-century novelist, I'm not modern, and certainly not postmodern. I follow the form of the nineteenth-century novel; that was the century that produced the models of the form. I'm old-fashioned, a storyteller. I'm not an analyst, and I'm not an intellectual.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Irving rejects contemporary literary labels, aligning himself with 19th‑century storytelling traditions rather than modernist or postmodernist analysis.
In simple terms: He sees himself as a classic storyteller, not a theorist.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the narrative form you love.
Themes
literature
identity
tradition
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
personal
literary
When to use this quote
- writing a novel
- teaching creative writing
- publishing
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
narrative form
historical influence
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize form over theory?
- How does era influence your storytelling?
A Different Perspective
May limit appeal to readers seeking experimental styles.