Better Quote by Charles Palliser
“In Victorian fiction, there would be a chapter at the end devoted to righting all of the wrongs. I thought to right all of the wrongs would be too glib. I thought it would be better to lull the reader into thinking that is the way it would work, but then not to do that.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Quincunx, 1997
Notes that Victorian novels often resolve all conflicts neatly, which feels simplistic; author prefers a more ambiguous, realistic approach.
In simple terms: Victorian endings are too tidy; realism is preferable.
Key Takeaway
Embrace complexity over easy resolution.
Themes
literature
Victorian era
storytelling
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
critical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- creative writing
- reading groups
Key Concepts
narrative structure
realism
moral ambiguity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do readers prefer comfort or challenge?
- How does ambiguity affect moral judgment?
A Different Perspective
Complex endings can alienate readers seeking closure.
