--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Two things can keep the common reader…" description: "\"“Two things can keep the common reader going, argument or story. (Both are always involved, however subtly, in good fiction.)”\" — John Gardner" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/544/john-gardner-3092_books_two-things-can-keep-the-common-reader-go_2378239.png" --- # Two things can keep the common reader going, argument or… ![“Two things can keep the common reader going, argument or story. (Both are always involved, however subtly, in good fiction.)” quote by John Gardner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/544/john-gardner-3092_books_two-things-can-keep-the-common-reader-go_2378239.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/544/john-gardner-3092_books_two-things-can-keep-the-common-reader-go_2378239.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/544/john-gardner-3092_books_two-things-can-keep-the-common-reader-go_2378239.png) > ““Two things can keep the common reader going, argument or story. (Both are always involved, however subtly, in good fiction.)”” [John Gardner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-gardner/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Readers stay engaged when a narrative presents conflict or a compelling storyline, both essential to good fiction. **In simple terms:** Stories need conflict and plot to keep readers interested. Key Takeaway Include both argument and story in writing. Themes writing conflict engagement Mood thoughtful analytical Type literary instructional When to use this quote - novel writing - short stories - teaching writing Key Concepts Narrative structure character development Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance argument and story? - What makes a story compelling? A Different Perspective Argument alone may not sustain interest without plot. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Argument Story](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argument-story-5881385/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Fiction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fiction/) [Going Argument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/going-argument-3849118/) [Good Fiction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-fiction/) [Story Involved](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/story-involved-603591/) ## Related quotes > [As sisters, they probably have closer to 99 percent in common, but they’re not about to recognize that. 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