Behavior Quote by Flannery O'Connor
“Poorly written novels--no matter how pious and edifying the behavior of the characters--are not good in themselves and are therefore not really edifying.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Role of the Novel", 1955
Novels that are merely moralistic lack intrinsic literary value and fail to truly educate.
In simple terms: Moral tales alone aren't enough.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth beyond moral lessons.
Themes
literature
morality
education
value
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- teaching literature
- writing workshops
- publishing decisions
Key Concepts
critical theory
artistic merit
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a story be both entertaining and edifying?
- What makes a novel truly valuable?
A Different Perspective
Some readers find moral stories compelling despite literary flaws.
