Behavior Quote by Jim Harrison
“I like grit, I like love and death, I'm tired of irony. ... A lot of good fiction is sentimental. ... The novelist who refuses sentiment refuses the full spectrum of human behavior, and then he just dries up. ... I would rather give full vent to all human loves and disappointments, and take a chance on being corny, than die a smartass.”
About This Quote
The author argues that embracing raw emotions—grit, love, death—over cynical irony yields richer, more authentic storytelling, warning that avoiding sentimentality leads to sterile narratives.
In simple terms: Embrace emotion over irony.
Key Takeaway
Sentiment enriches narrative.
Themes
Authenticity
Emotion
Humanity
Cynicism
Literary Style
Mood
Reflective
Passionate
Type
Literary essay
Personal manifesto
When to use this quote
- Writing fiction
- Literary criticism
- Creative workshops
- Teaching creative writing
Key Concepts
Sentimentality
Irony
Narrative Depth
Practical Applications
- Developing emotionally resonant characters
- Encouraging writers to explore vulnerability
Questions to Reflect On
- How does avoiding irony affect character development?
- What risks arise from over‑sentimentalizing a story?
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