Annoying Quote by C. S. Lewis
“We must perpetually try to distinguish, however closely they get entwined by the subtle nature of the facts and by the secret importunity of our passions, those attitudes in a writer which we can honestly and confidently condemn as real evils, and those qualities in his writing which simply annoy and offend us as men of taste.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Weight of Glory, C. S. Lewis, 1942
The quote urges readers to separate a writer’s personal flaws from the literary qualities that may irritate or offend, recognizing that moral judgments about the author differ from aesthetic judgments about the work.
In simple terms: Distinguish author’s faults from the writing’s style.
Key Takeaway
Judge the work, not the writer’s character.
Themes
literature criticism
ethics
aesthetics
personal bias
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
critical
Type
analysis
interpretation
evaluation
When to use this quote
- book reviews
- academic essays
- personal reading
- editorial decisions
Key Concepts
moral judgment
artistic merit
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you separate personal bias from literary analysis?
- Can a writer’s character influence your enjoyment of their work?
A Different Perspective
A writer’s personal failings can sometimes color perception of their work, making pure separation difficult.
