Character Quote by E. L. Doctorow
“There is really no fiction or non-fiction; there is only narrative. One mode of perception has no greater claim on the truth than the other; that the distance has perhaps to do with distance - narrative distance - from the characters; it has to do with the kind of voice that is talking, but it certainly hasn't to do with the common distribution between fact and imagination.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Narrative and Truth”, 1975
All writing is narrative; truth depends on perspective and narrative distance, not fact vs. imagination.
In simple terms: Story shapes perception of truth.
Key Takeaway
Consider narrative lens.
Themes
truth
perception
narrative
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- fiction analysis
- media criticism
- education
Key Concepts
literary theory
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does narrative distance affect belief?
- Can we trust any narrative?
A Different Perspective
May blur lines between fact and fiction.
