Much modern prose is praised for its terseness, its…
“Much modern prose is praised for its terseness, its scrupulous avoidance of curlicue, etcetera. But I don't feel the deeper rhythm there. I don't think these writers are being terse out of choice. I think they are being terse because it's the only way they can write.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Modern writers often appear terse because they lack deeper rhythm, not by deliberate choice.
In simple terms: Terseness may hide lack of rhythm.
Seek depth beyond brevity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- editing
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does brevity affect meaning?
- Can style be both concise and rhythmic?
Terseness can limit emotional resonance.