Books Quote by Gene Wolfe
““I have noticed that in books this sort of stalemate never seems to occur; the authors are so anxious to move their stories forward (however wooden they may be, advancing like market carts with squeaking wheels that are never still, though they go only to dusty villages where the charm of the country is lost and the pleasures of the city will never be found) that there are no such misunderstandings, no refusals to negotiate. The assassin who holds a dagger to his victim's neck is eager to discuss the whole matter, and at any length the victim or the author may wish.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe, 1980-1983
Storytelling often forces conflict and resolution, avoiding true stalemate; even antagonists may engage in dialogue when needed.
In simple terms: Stories push forward, rarely allowing deadlock.
Key Takeaway
Embrace dialogue to resolve conflict.
Themes
conflict
dialogue
storytelling
resolution
character
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
reflective
philosophical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- creative writing
- conflict resolution
- character development
Key Concepts
narrative tension
power dynamics
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create space for dialogue in a tense situation?
- What prevents true stalemate in storytelling?
A Different Perspective
Real life negotiations can stall without open communication.
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