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Adversary Quote by Eudora Welty

“I didn't hit other people or hit purposefully, I just hit. Some object would be at fault. My anger was at myself, every time, all vanity. As an adolescent I was a slammer of drawers and a packer of suitcases. I was responsible for scenes. Control came imperfectly to all of us: we reached it at…” quote by Eudora Welty
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““I didn't hit other people or hit purposefully, I just hit. Some object would be at fault. My anger was at myself, every time, all vanity. As an adolescent I was a slammer of drawers and a packer of suitcases. I was responsible for scenes. Control came imperfectly to all of us: we reached it at different times of life, frustrated, shot into indignation, by different things - some that are grown out of, and others not. Of all my strong emotions, anger is the one least responsible for any of my work. I don't write out of anger. For one thing, simply as a fiction writer, I am minus an adversary - except, of course, that of time - and for another thing, the act of writing in itself brings me happiness.””

Eudora Welty

About This Quote

The author reflects that anger is directed inward, not a source of creative drive, and that writing brings happiness rather than serving as an outlet for rage.

In simple terms: Anger is self‑directed and not his for writing.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the true motivations behind your work.

Themes

self‑reflection creativity emotion writing

Mood

introspective thoughtful

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal journaling
  • creative workshops
  • therapy sessions

Key Concepts

psychology literature self‑awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions truly fuel your creativity?
  • Can you separate personal feelings from artistic output?
A Different Perspective

Anger can still influence work indirectly, even if not acknowledged.

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