Able Quote by Amos Oz
“In writing a novel, the writer must be able to identify emotionally and intellectually with two or three or four contradicting perspectives and give each of them very a convincing voice. It's like playing tennis with yourself and you have to be on both sides of the yard. You have to be on both sides, or all sides if there are more than two sides.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Fiction, 1995
A writer must embody multiple conflicting viewpoints, giving each a credible voice, akin to playing tennis with oneself.
In simple terms: Writers need many perspectives.
Key Takeaway
Embrace diverse viewpoints.
Themes
creativity
empathy
perspective
writing
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
literary
instructional
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- character development
- dialogue crafting
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
narrative voice
psychological depth
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain coherence with many voices?
- What techniques help differentiate perspectives?
A Different Perspective
Balancing contradictory voices can confuse readers if not managed.
