Built Quote by Alice Munro
“A story ... has a sturdy sense of itself of being built out of its own necessity, not just to shelter or beguile you.”
About This Quote
Source Short Story Collection: Selected Stories, 1990
A narrative that feels self‑generated, emerging from its own purpose rather than external motives.
In simple terms: Stories can be self‑sufficient and purposeful.
Value authenticity in creation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary analysis
- creative projects
- teaching narrative
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a story's internal logic affect its impact?
- What makes a narrative feel self‑generated?
May still need audience engagement to give meaning.