Book Quote by Janna Malamud Smith
““Perhaps a book becomes a classic in proportion to how broadly its characters can be scavenged, how many readers find within it something they experience as desirable or even intimately necessary.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: What Makes a Classic?, 2008
A book becomes classic when its characters resonate widely, fulfilling readers' deep desires or needs.
In simple terms: Classics reflect universal human needs.
Key Takeaway
Create relatable, resonant characters.
Themes
literary value
universality
character development
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
literary criticism
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- book clubs
- marketing
Key Concepts
psychology
narrative theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Which characters have shaped you?
- How do personal needs influence reading?
A Different Perspective
Not all readers seek the same resonance.
