Thackeray's a good writer and Flaubert is a great artist…
““Thackeray's a good writer and Flaubert is a great artist. Trollope is a good writer and Dickens is a great artist. Colette is a very good writer and Proust is a great artist. Katherine Anne Porter was an extremely good writer and Willa Cather was a great artist.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Capote compares writers to artists, suggesting some excel in prose while others in artistic depth, highlighting varied literary talents.
In simple terms: Writers differ in skill and artistic depth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize diverse strengths in literature.
Themes
literature
talent
comparison
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- literary analysis
- education
- creative writing
Key Concepts
artistic merit
writing style
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you value prose versus artistic expression?
- Can a writer be both a good writer and a great artist?
A Different Perspective
Not all writers fit neatly into binary categories.