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It may be that in his rogues the writer gratifies…

“It may be that in his rogues the writer gratifies instincts deep-rooted in him, which the manners and customs of a civilised world have forced back to the mysterious recesses of the subconscious. In giving to the character of his invention flesh and bones he is giving life to that part of himself…” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
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““It may be that in his rogues the writer gratifies instincts deep-rooted in him, which the manners and customs of a civilised world have forced back to the mysterious recesses of the subconscious. In giving to the character of his invention flesh and bones he is giving life to that part of himself which finds no other means of expression. His satisfaction is a sense of liberation. The writer is more concerned to know than to judge.””

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The writer channels suppressed instincts into characters, finding liberation through creation rather than judgment.

In simple terms: Writing frees hidden instincts.

Key Takeaway

Use creative work to express suppressed feelings.

Themes

creativity self‑expression liberation

Mood

introspective inspirational

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • therapy
  • screenwriting

Key Concepts

psychology of art subconscious authorial identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What parts of yourself do you hide?
  • How does creation differ from judgment?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex psychological processes.

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