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Affair Quote by Erica Jong

“A poem (surely someone has said this before) is a one-night stand, a short story a love affair, and a novel a marriage.” quote by Erica Jong
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“A poem (surely someone has said this before) is a one-night stand, a short story a love affair, and a novel a marriage.”

Erica Jong

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New York Times, 1975

Poetry is a fleeting encounter, short stories a brief romance, and novels a lifelong commitment.

In simple terms: Poetry is brief, stories short, novels long.

Key Takeaway

Choose the form that fits your intent.

Themes

art literature commitment

Mood

inspirational contemplative

Type

literary creative

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • teaching
  • reading clubs
  • personal expression

Key Concepts

brevity depth narrative arcs

Questions to Reflect On

  • What form best suits your current story?
  • How does length affect emotional impact?
A Different Perspective

May undervalue the depth possible in short forms.

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