Giving birth Quote by Alfred Jarry
““The theater, bringing impersonal masks to life, is only for those who are virile enough to create new life: either as a conflict of passions subtler than those we already know, or as a complete new character. It is obvious that Hamlet, say, is more alive than the man in the street, being both more complicated and more integrated, and perhaps he is the only one really alive, for he is a walking abstraction. Therefore it is harder for the mind to create a character than for matter create a man; and if we are absolutely incapable of creating and giving birth to a new being, then we would do better to keep quiet.””
About This Quote
The theater conjures abstract, intense characters that surpass ordinary people in complexity, demanding creative vigor; without such creation, silence is preferable.
In simple terms: Theater creates deeper, abstract characters.
Key Takeaway
Creative creation is essential for vitality.
Themes
theatre
creativity
character development
philosophy of art
Mood
introspective
dramatic
Type
philosophical reflection
When to use this quote
- playwriting workshops
- actor method training
- literary analysis of Hamlet
- creative writing retreats
Key Concepts
abstraction vs. reality
artistic responsibility
Practical Applications
- encourage actors to explore inner conflicts
- use masks to externalize abstract ideas
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a character be alive without being a new abstraction?
- What responsibilities do creators have toward their audiences?
A Different Perspective
The claim that only those who can create new life are truly alive marginalizes collaborative and incremental artistic processes.
![“If we want to lower ourselves to the level of the public there are two things we can do for them--and which are done for them. The first is to give them characters who think as they do [...], and whom they understand perfectly. When this is the case they receive two impressions; firstly they think…” quote by Alfred Jarry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/alfred-jarry-19850_common-man_if-we-want-to-lower-ourselves-to-the-lev_597829.jpg)
