---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What writes worse than a Theodore…"
description: "\"What writes worse than a Theodore Dreiser? ... Two Theodore Dreisers.\" — Dorothy Parker"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a88/dorothy-parker-700_theodore_what-writes-worse-than-a-theodore-dreise_2208157.jpg"
---

#  What writes worse than a Theodore Dreiser? ... Two…

![“What writes worse than a Theodore Dreiser? ... Two Theodore Dreisers.” quote by Dorothy Parker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a88/dorothy-parker-700_theodore_what-writes-worse-than-a-theodore-dreise_2208157.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a88/dorothy-parker-700_theodore_what-writes-worse-than-a-theodore-dreise_2208157.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a88/dorothy-parker-700_theodore_what-writes-worse-than-a-theodore-dreise_2208157.jpg)

> “What writes worse than a Theodore Dreiser? ... Two Theodore Dreisers.”

[Dorothy Parker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dorothy-parker/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The joke plays on the reputation of Dreiser’s prolific, often criticized writing, suggesting that duplicating his style would be doubly poor.

**In simple terms:** Duplicating a bad writer is worse.

Key Takeaway

Avoid copying flawed styles.

Themes

humor literature critique style exaggeration

Mood

witty critical

Type

humorous satirical

When to use this quote

- writing workshops
- literary analysis
- creative writing
- editing

Key Concepts

satire literary criticism authorial reputation

Questions to Reflect On

- Why do we mock certain authors?
- How does reputation affect perception of quality?

A Different Perspective

The humor assumes familiarity with Dreiser’s work, limiting relevance.

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[Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/)

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Browse all 71 Theodore quotes

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