Russian Quote by David Lodge
““Skaz is a rather appealing Russian word (suggesting "jazz" and "scat", as in "scat-singing", to the English ear) used to designate a type of first-person narration that has the characteristics of the spoken rather than the written word.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Fiction, David Lodge, 1991
A narrative style that mimics spoken language, blending improvisational and rhythmic qualities.
In simple terms: Narration that sounds like spoken jazz.
Key Takeaway
Use spoken‑like rhythm in writing.
Themes
narrative style
voice
language
Mood
playful
intellectual
Type
literary
descriptive
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- radio storytelling
- improvisational theater
- podcast scripting
Key Concepts
improvisation
rhythm
first‑person perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- How does spoken rhythm affect reader engagement?
- When is this style most effective?
A Different Perspective
May be less clear than formal prose.
