Activity Quote by Elizabeth Hardwick
“A letter is not a dialogue or even an omniscient exposition. It is a fabric of surfaces, a mask, a form as well suited to affectations as to the affections. The letter is, by its natural shape, self-justifying; it is one's own evidence, deposition, a self-serving testimony. In a letter the writer holds all the cards, controls everything about himself and about those assertions he wishes to make concerning events or the worth of others. For completely self-centered characters, the letter form is a complex and rewarding activity.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Letter as Form,” The New Yorker, 1975
She describes letters as self‑justifying, self‑serving documents that allow writers to control narrative and emotion, serving both factual and affective purposes.
In simple terms: Letters let writers shape truth and feeling to their advantage.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power and bias in written communication.
Themes
literature
communication
power dynamics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Personal correspondence
- legal testimony
- creative writing workshops
Key Concepts
Self‑presentation
narrative control
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does control affect authenticity?
- When does self‑service become unethical?
A Different Perspective
Letters can be deceptive or manipulative.
