Able Quote by Cathleen Schine
“In 'Pictures from an Institution,' Randall Jarrell was able to transcend the academic novel by simply ignoring it, writing a comedy with no plot at all beyond his own pleasure in language and humanity itself.”
About This Quote
Randall Jarrell’s work defies conventional academic narratives, opting for a playful, language‑centric comedy that values pleasure over plot.
In simple terms: Jarrell ignored academic norms, wrote a language‑focused comedy.
Key Takeaway
Value artistic joy over strict structure.
Themes
innovation
literary rebellion
humor
Mood
playful
intellectual
Type
literary
critical
When to use this quote
- teaching creative writing
- writing experimental prose
- analyzing narrative form
- celebrating linguistic freedom
Key Concepts
postmodernism
language play
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “no plot” achieve?
- How does language become the story?
A Different Perspective
May alienate readers expecting traditional story arcs.
