Language Quote by Janet Frame
““I have to cry out here that language is all we have for the delicacy and truth of telling, that words are the sole heroes and heroines of fiction. Their generosity and forgiveness make one weep. They will accept anything and stand by it, and show no sign of suffering. They will accept change, painlessly, the only pain being that experienced by those who use words, scattering them like beans in a field and hoping for morning beanstalks as high as the sky with heavenly commotion there, upstairs where the giants live.””
About This Quote
Language is the essential tool for expressing delicate truth in fiction; words act as generous, forgiving heroes that bear any story without suffering, allowing creators to scatter ideas and hope for lofty outcomes.
In simple terms: Words are the vital, forgiving medium for telling truth in stories.
Key Takeaway
Use language thoughtfully, recognizing its power and limits.
Themes
creativity
expression
fiction
language
truth
Mood
reflective
hopeful
inspirational
Type
literary
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing novels
- poetry
- storytelling workshops
- editing drafts
Key Concepts
narrative power
symbolic generosity
literary craft
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape our perception of truth?
- When do words fail to capture reality?
A Different Perspective
Words cannot convey all experience; they may mask nuance or be misinterpreted.
