Skip to content

Accurate Quote by Ambrose Bierce

“GOOSE, n. A bird that supplies quills for writing. These [quills] when inked and drawn mechanically across paper by a person called an "author," there results a very fair and accurate transcript of the fowl's thought and feeling.” quote by Ambrose Bierce
Download Open image
“GOOSE, n. A bird that supplies quills for writing. These [quills] when inked and drawn mechanically across paper by a person called an "author," there results a very fair and accurate transcript of the fowl's thought and feeling.”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

Source Dictionary: Definition entry, 19th century American lexicon

A metaphor likening a writer’s work to a bird’s quill, suggesting that writing captures the bird’s inner voice.

In simple terms: Writing records the bird’s thoughts.

Key Takeaway

Use writing to convey hidden perspectives.

Themes

creativity expression metaphor

Mood

reflective playful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • creative writing
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

communication symbolism artistic analogy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does metaphor shape our view of authorship?
  • Can a bird’s thought truly be captured in text?
A Different Perspective

Writing may oversimplify complex emotions.

2.0 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Ambrose Bierce

Explore all 1,157 Ambrose Bierce quotes

More Accurate quotes

Browse all 847 Accurate quotes