American writer Quote by John Fante
““The bartender put a notepad and a pencil before me. Breathing hard, the pencil trembling, I wrote: Dear Sinclair Lewis: You were once a god, but now you are a swine. I once reverenced you, admired you, and now you are nothing. I came to shake your hand in adoration, you, Lewis, a giant among American writers, and you rejected it. I swear I shall never read another line of yours again. You are an ill-mannered boor. You have betrayed me. I shall tell H. L. Muller about you, and how you have shamed me. I shall tell the world. Arturo Bandini P.S. I hope you choke on your steak.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Ask the Dust, 1939
The writer expresses deep disillusionment with a once‑admired author, turning admiration into contempt.
In simple terms: A fan becomes angry at a writer they once revered.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that admiration can turn to disappointment.
Themes
disillusionment
literary criticism
personal betrayal
Mood
melancholic
critical
Type
literary
personal
When to use this quote
- literary reviews
- personal essays
- public debates
Key Concepts
author reputation
creative influence
emotional response
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal disappointment shape public critique?
- Can criticism remain constructive despite strong emotions?
A Different Perspective
Harsh criticism may alienate readers and peers.
