--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I began to write fiction on the…" description: "\"“I began to write fiction on the assumption that the true enemies of the novel were plot, character, setting and theme.”\" — John Hawkes" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39e/john-hawkes-9917_books_i-began-to-write-fiction-on-the-assumpti_659938.jpg" --- # I began to write fiction on the assumption that the true… ![“I began to write fiction on the assumption that the true enemies of the novel were plot, character, setting and theme.” quote by John Hawkes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39e/john-hawkes-9917_books_i-began-to-write-fiction-on-the-assumpti_659938.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39e/john-hawkes-9917_books_i-began-to-write-fiction-on-the-assumpti_659938.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39e/john-hawkes-9917_books_i-began-to-write-fiction-on-the-assumpti_659938.jpg) > ““I began to write fiction on the assumption that the true enemies of the novel were plot, character, setting and theme.”” [John Hawkes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-hawkes/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The novel’s power lies in its ability to transcend conventional elements like plot, character, setting, and theme. **In simple terms:** True enemies of fiction are rigid expectations, not creative freedom. Key Takeaway Embrace experimental storytelling. Themes creativity fiction literature Mood thoughtful challenging Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - writing workshops - experimental novels - creative retreats - literary criticism Key Concepts postmodernism narrative theory authorial intent Questions to Reflect On - What constraints could spark your creativity? - How do you balance structure with freedom? 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