Austen Quote by Douglas Wilson
““A lot of aspiring writers quote the right people, but they do so like Mary Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. They quote Austen like Mary quoted her eighteenth-century bromides, and were Austen here to see them do it, she'd slap them right into her next book, and it wouldn't be pretty.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, 1813
Writers often mimic famous authors without understanding their intent, leading to shallow imitation rather than genuine inspiration.
In simple terms: Copying famous writers without depth produces empty imitation.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic voice, not just clever references.
Themes
writing
authenticity
literature
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
literary
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- literary criticism
- author studies
- writing mentorship
Key Concepts
intertextuality
misinterpretation
creative integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you honor a writer’s spirit while developing your own style?
- What risks arise from quoting without comprehension?
A Different Perspective
Mimicry can stifle original ideas and reduce critical engagement.
![“[Jane] Austen was not a novelist for nothing: she knew that our stories are what make us human, and that listening to someone else's stories -- entering into their feelings, validating their experiences -- is the highest way of acknowledging their humanity, the sweetest form of usefulness.” quote by William Deresiewicz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2bb/william-deresiewicz-15471_austen_jane-austen-was-not-a-novelist-for-nothi_62623.jpg)
