Communication Quote by Guillermo Cabrera Infante
“Dialogue in fiction is always written to be read in silence. The page is the limit. Dialogue on stage and on the screen is meant to be spoken. The voice is the limit.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Literary criticism, 1974
Written dialogue is intended for silent reading, while spoken dialogue on stage or screen is meant to be heard; the medium defines its limits.
In simple terms: Written dialogue is silent; spoken dialogue is audible.
Key Takeaway
Match dialogue form to its medium.
Themes
literature
theatre
film
communication
media
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
theatrical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- scriptwriting
- acting
- film production
Key Concepts
narrative technique
performance studies
media theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does silence shape written conversation?
- What challenges arise when adapting dialogue for performance?
A Different Perspective
Medium constraints can limit expression.
