Right way Quote by Chaim Potok
““DW: Some critics have written that they don’t admire your so-called simple style. You have contended that your writing is a result of much rewriting and much revision and is deliberate. CP: The style is simplicity for the sake of complexity. Whoever feels that it is a “simple style” has to look into it and find the right way. Of course the style has become over the years much more complex and much more simple. Two fundamental things about the novel continue to intrigue me and I think this is our gift to ourselves as far as this form is concerned. One is the handling of character, people. No other form can handle people in significant depth over long periods of time. No other form can move back and forth, in and out, nothing can move the way the novel can in terms of the dimension of time. People and time are what I think the novel is really all about and I think they are limitless.””
About This Quote
The novel’s style balances simplicity and complexity, allowing deep, time‑spanning character exploration that other forms cannot match.
In simple terms: Novels blend simple style with deep time.
Key Takeaway
Literary form uniquely captures character over time.
Themes
literature
style
character
time
complexity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary criticism
philosophical discourse
When to use this quote
- writers discussing form
- students analyzing novel structure
- readers reflecting on character arcs
Key Concepts
narrative depth
temporal dimension
Practical Applications
- use simplicity to reveal complexity
- exploit novel’s temporal flexibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does simplicity enhance or obscure meaning?
- What makes the novel superior for character study?
A Different Perspective
Simplicity can mask underlying complexity, risking misinterpretation.
