Cliche refers to words, commonplace to ideas. Cliche…
“Cliche refers to words, commonplace to ideas. Cliche describes the form or the letter, commonplace the substance or spirit. To confuse them is to confuse the thought with the expression of the thought. The cliche is immediately perceivable; the commonplace very often escapes notice if decked out in original dress. There are few examples, in any literature, of new ideas expressed in original form. The most critical mind must often be content with one or the other of these pleasures, only too happy when it is not deprived of both at once, which is not too rarely the case.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Distinguishes cliché (overused form) from commonplace (ordinary idea), warning that focusing on one can miss the other’s value.
In simple terms: Cliché is style, commonplace is substance.
Key Takeaway
Balance form and content.
Themes
literature
style
creativity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- editing
- critical reading
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
form
substance
perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when a familiar idea is presented freshly?
- When does style outweigh substance?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on novelty can dismiss useful conventions.