About Quote by Edmund White
“Everyone seems agreed that writing about sex is perilous, partly because it threatens to swamp highly individualised characters in a generic, featureless activity (much like coffee-cup dialogue, during which everyone sounds the same), and partly because it feels... tacky.”
About This Quote
Writing about sex risks reducing distinct characters to generic activity, making dialogue feel uniform and potentially vulgar.
In simple terms: Sex scenes can flatten character uniqueness and seem crass.
Key Takeaway
Avoid generic sexual content that erodes individuality.
Themes
character development
dialogue authenticity
sexuality in literature
cliché avoidance
tone management
Mood
reflective
cautious
critical
Type
observation
advice
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- creative workshops
- editorial reviews
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
characterization
voice
intimacy
narrative style
Practical Applications
- refine sexual scenes to reveal character traits
- use intimacy to deepen plot
Questions to Reflect On
- How can sexual content enhance rather than diminish character depth?
- What techniques preserve individuality in intimate scenes?
