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Business Quote by Diane Setterfield

“I see,” she said softly, nodding her head as though she really did. “Well, it’s your business, of course.” She turned her hand in her lap and stared into her damaged palm. “You are at liberty to say nothing, if that is what you want. But silence is not a natural environment for stories. They need…” quote by Diane Setterfield
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““I see,” she said softly, nodding her head as though she really did. “Well, it’s your business, of course.” She turned her hand in her lap and stared into her damaged palm. “You are at liberty to say nothing, if that is what you want. But silence is not a natural environment for stories. They need words. Without them they grow pale, sicken and die. And then they haunt you.” Her eyes swiveled back to me. “Believe me, Margaret. I know.””

Diane Setterfield

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, 2006

Stories need language to survive; silence starves them, causing decay and haunting.

In simple terms: Stories die without words.

Key Takeaway

Speak to keep stories alive.

Themes

storytelling silence creativity

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • therapy sessions
  • teaching
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

narrative necessity psychology of memory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does silence shape your inner narrative?
  • When is silence beneficial?
A Different Perspective

Silence can also protect privacy and allow introspection.

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