Altars Quote by David Shields
“With relatively few exceptions, the novel sacrifices too much, for me, on the altar of plot.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Fiction, David Shields, 2015
Novels often prioritize plot over deeper literary sacrifice, losing nuance.
In simple terms: Stories can sacrifice depth for plot.
Key Takeaway
Balance plot with thematic depth.
Themes
literature
storytelling
craft
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
critical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- editing
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
narrative structure
theme development
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of a story matter most to you?
- How can plot and depth coexist?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on plot can dilute character development.
