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Battle Quote by Edward Gibbon

“This variety of objects will suspend, for some time, the course of the narrative; but the interruption will be censured only by those readers who are insensible to the importance of laws and manners, while they peruse, with eager curiosity, the transient intrigues of a court, or the accidental…” quote by Edward Gibbon
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“This variety of objects will suspend, for some time, the course of the narrative; but the interruption will be censured only by those readers who are insensible to the importance of laws and manners, while they peruse, with eager curiosity, the transient intrigues of a court, or the accidental event of a battle.”

Edward Gibbon

About This Quote

Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776

Narrative interruptions are tolerated only by readers indifferent to law and manners, as they focus on fleeting court intrigues or battle events.

In simple terms: Only those who ignore rules enjoy story pauses.

Key Takeaway

Value structure over sensationalism.

Themes

law order literary criticism attention span

Mood

critical analytical

Type

literary historical

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • literary analysis
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

historical narrative reader engagement

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this say about audience expectations?
  • How can writers balance intrigue with substance?
A Different Perspective

Readers may miss deeper themes when distracted by spectacle.

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