Slighting Performances Quote by Jane Austen
““There seems a general wish of decrying the capacity and undervaluing the labor of the novelist, and of slighting performances which have only genius, wit and taste to recommend them.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Literary Criticism, Jane Austen, 1815
Society undervalues novelists’ effort, focusing only on innate talent, ignoring hard work.
In simple terms: Novelists’ labor is often ignored.
Recognize both skill and effort in creative work.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- book reviews
- writing workshops
- publishing industry
- academic courses
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does effort play in artistic success?
- How can we better honor the writer’s labor?
Overemphasis on genius can diminish appreciation for craft.