19th century Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
“The thing I love about Dickens is the omniscient, omnipotent narrator, and the great confidence of the narrator, which marks 19th-century novelists in general and Dickens in particular.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Fiction, 2014
Dickens’s narrative voice is all‑knowing and confident, a hallmark of 19th‑century novelists that gives his stories authority.
In simple terms: Dickens’s confident omniscient narrator defines his style.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of narrative voice.
Themes
narrative voice
confidence
literary tradition
Mood
appreciative
analytical
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
storytelling techniques
authorial authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How does narrative voice shape reader perception?
- When is an omniscient narrator effective?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on omniscience can limit character depth.
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