Chooses Quote by Graham Greene
““A story has no beginning or end: arbitrarily one chooses that moment from which to look back or from which to look ahead. I say 'one chooses' with the inaccurate pride of a professional writer who — when he has been seriously noted at all — has been praised for his technical ability, but do I in fact of my own will choose that black wet January night on the Common, in 1946, the sight of Henry Miles slanting across the wide river of rain, or did these images choose me?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The End of the Affair, Graham Greene, 1951
The narrative perspective is chosen by the writer, but images and moments can also seem to choose the writer, blurring control over storytelling.
In simple terms: Storytelling is a two‑way choice between writer and images.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the mutual influence of creator and material.
Themes
creativity
perception
storytelling
Mood
contemplative
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary analysis
- creative reflection
- visual arts
- psychology of perception
Key Concepts
subjectivity
authorial intent
image agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide which moments shape your story?
- Can images ever truly choose a creator?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overstate the agency of images, ignoring the writer’s deliberate craft.
