I maintain that any writer of a book is fully authorised…
““I maintain that any writer of a book is fully authorised in attaching any meaning he likes to a word or phrase he intends to use. If I find an author saying, at the beginning of his book, "Let it be understood that by the word 'black' I shall always mean 'white,' and by the word 'white' I shall always mean 'black,'" I meekly accept his ruling, however injudicious I think it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writers can define their own meanings for words, even if they contradict common usage.
In simple terms: Authors control word meanings in their works.
Key Takeaway
Accept authorial authority on language.
Themes
creativity
language
authority
interpretation
Mood
playful
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- editing
- teaching literature
- reading criticism
Key Concepts
semantic flexibility
authorial control
literary theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does redefining words affect communication?
- When is it acceptable to change definitions?
A Different Perspective
Meaning can become confusing if overused.