Bad taste Quote by Flannery O'Connor
“The two worst sins of bad taste in fiction are pornography and sentimentality. One is too much sex and the other too much sentiment.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Fiction, 1962
Bad taste in fiction arises from excess, either overt sexual content or excessive sentiment, both undermining artistic integrity.
In simple terms: Overindulgence in sex or sentiment harms fiction.
Key Takeaway
Avoid extremes; seek balance.
Themes
literature
taste
balance
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- editing
- publishing
- reader criticism
Key Concepts
artistic integrity
excess
moderation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you gauge appropriate emotional depth?
- What limits define tasteful content?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on moral messaging can also be limiting.
