Able Quote by Dorothy Parker
“The plot is so tired that even this reviewer, who in infancy was let drop by a nurse with the result that she has ever since been mystified by amateur coin tricks, was able to guess the identity of the murderer from the middle of the book.”
About This Quote
Source Review: The New Yorker, Dorothy Parker, 1930s
A plot can be so predictable that even a distracted reader can solve the mystery early.
In simple terms: Predictable stories reveal the ending quickly.
Key Takeaway
Seek originality in storytelling.
Themes
literature
plot structure
predictability
Mood
critical
witty
Type
literary
humorous
When to use this quote
- writing a novel
- film script
- reading critique
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
narrative theory
genre conventions
Questions to Reflect On
- How does predictability affect enjoyment?
- Can a familiar plot still surprise?
A Different Perspective
Predictability may be intentional for genre.
