Accessibility Quote by Ben Marcus
““Who is setting the bar for what you call accessibility? The definition of “accessible” is “easy to understand,” and so much of the fiction I love is just… not that. It is complex and rich and sometimes puzzling, and it stays with me precisely because I can’t quite wrap my head around it. Sometimes it is lucid and approachable on the surface, and other times the language is congested in order to fire up strong sensations. Accessibility is such a strange, sad measure of the writing I love. Dora the Explorer is accessible. The Unconsoled is not. But I have never been deliberately difficult, if that’s what you’re getting at. That has no appeal to me. I’ve always tried to write the fiction that compels me the most — I have to feel passionate, engaged, and nearly desperate if I’m going to get anything done. When I’m working on material that is conceptual or abstract or in some way difficult, I strive for clarity, transparency, a vivid attack.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, 2015
The author argues that true accessibility in literature means clarity and emotional impact, not oversimplification, and that complex, rich writing can be compelling when it is vivid and transparent.
In simple terms: Complex writing can be accessible if clear and emotionally vivid.
Key Takeaway
Seek clarity while preserving depth.
Themes
literature
accessibility
complexity
clarity
emotion
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- literary criticism
- teaching writing
- reading challenging texts
Key Concepts
Narrative depth
emotional resonance
transparent prose
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance depth with readability?
- What makes a challenging text feel accessible?
A Different Perspective
Complexity may alienate some readers despite clarity.
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![“I know "accessibility" is a term that's kind of thrown around wantonly today, especially with talking about visual media. But I think that the strength of comics [is how they] really allow you to transcend those last barriers between a reader absorbing the information of an experience, and a…” quote by Nate Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d87/nate-powell-42191_able_i-know-accessibility-is-a-term-that-s-ki_173002.jpg)
