An admirable line of Pablo Neruda’s, “My creatures are…
““An admirable line of Pablo Neruda’s, “My creatures are born of a long denial,” seems to me the best definition of writing as a kind of exorcism, casting off invading creatures by projecting them into universal existence, keeping them on the other side of the bridge… It may be exaggerating to say that all completely successful short stories, especially fantastic stories, are products of neurosis, nightmares or hallucination neutralized through objectification and translated to a medium outside the neurotic terrain. This polarization can be found in any memorable short story, as if the author, wanting to rid himself of his creature as soon and as absolutely as possible, exorcises it the only way he can: by writing it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writing serves as a ritual exorcism, turning inner monsters into external narratives that can be examined and released.
In simple terms: Writing turns inner fears into stories.
Key Takeaway
Write to confront and release inner turmoil.
Themes
creativity
psychology
literature
exorcism
self‑discovery
Mood
introspective
melancholic
inspired
Type
analytical
reflective
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- creative writing workshops
- authorial drafts
- storytelling retreats
Key Concepts
neurosis
hallucination
objectification
transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner “creature” do you need to release?
- How does externalizing inner conflict change its power?
A Different Perspective
Not all stories stem from neurosis; some arise from joy or curiosity.