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Ends Quote by John Berger

“It is not usually possible in a poem or a story to make the relationship between particular and universal fully explicit. Those who try to do so end up writing parables.” quote by John Berger
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“It is not usually possible in a poem or a story to make the relationship between particular and universal fully explicit. Those who try to do so end up writing parables.”

John Berger

About This Quote

Source Book: Ways of Seeing, 1972

Attempting to fully articulate the link between specific details and universal truths often results in allegorical storytelling.

In simple terms: Explicit links become allegories.

Key Takeaway

Use metaphor to convey universal ideas.

Themes

art literature philosophy

Mood

analytical creative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • teaching literature
  • creative writing
  • art criticism

Key Concepts

semiotics metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do metaphors shape understanding?
  • When is explicit detail preferable?
A Different Perspective

May limit literal interpretation.

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