Books Quote by Jane Austen
““Walter Scott has no business to write novels, especially good ones. — It is not fair. — He has fame and profit enough as a poet, and should not be taking the bread out of other people’s mouths. — I do not like him, and do not mean to like Waverley if I can help it — but fear I must.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: Private correspondence, 1815, discussing Walter Scott
Austen argues Scott, a successful poet, should not also write novels because it seems unfair and threatens other writers' livelihoods, though she admits fear of his influence.
In simple terms: She thinks Scott shouldn't write novels because he's already successful as a poet.
Key Takeaway
Support diverse authors and avoid monopolizing literary markets.
Themes
literature
fairness
competition
authorial rights
influence
Mood
critical
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- publishing decisions
- literary awards
- author contracts
- public reception
Key Concepts
market dynamics
creative ownership
literary criticism
authorial ego
Questions to Reflect On
- Should success in one art form limit pursuits in another?
- How can the literary market stay fair?
A Different Perspective
Literary success does not guarantee quality in other genres.
![“Everybody is taken in at some period or another. [...] In marriage especially. [...] There is not one in a hundred of either sex, who is not taken in when they marry. Look where I will, I see that it is so; and I feel that it must be so, when I consider that it is, of all transactions, the one in…” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37a/jane-austen-39_marriage_everybody-is-taken-in-at-some-period-or_7175.jpg)
