Children Quote by Joe Fassler
““it’s the way he uses language—which is nothing like the way fantasists used language before him. There’s no sense of nostalgia. There’s no medieval floridness. There’s no fairy tale condescension to the child reader. It’s very straight, and very clean—there’s no Vaseline on the lens. You see everything clearly, not with sparkles or a flowery sense of wonderment, but with very specific physical details.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2018
Modern language in literature should be clear and precise, avoiding nostalgic or ornate flourishes to reveal reality.
In simple terms: Clear writing shows truth without decoration.
Key Takeaway
Value straightforward, vivid description.
Themes
writing
clarity
modernism
realism
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
critical
educational
When to use this quote
- editing
- teaching writing
- reading nonfiction
- creative writing
Key Concepts
literary criticism
style
Questions to Reflect On
- How does clarity affect your reading experience?
- When is ornate language appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Simplicity may overlook the beauty of metaphorical language.
