Antagonism Quote by Joseph Conrad
““Fiction, at the point of development at which it has arrived, demands from the writer a spirit of scrupulous abnegation.The only legitimate of all the irreconcilable antagonisms that make our life so enigmatic, so burdensome, so fascinating, so dangerous--so full of hope. They exist! And this is the only fundamental truth of fiction.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Fiction, 1901
Fiction requires writers to deny personal bias, embracing contradictions that make life complex and hopeful.
In simple terms: Writers must set aside ego to capture life's paradoxes.
Key Takeaway
Embrace self‑negation to reveal truth.
Themes
creativity
contradiction
truth
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- personal reflection
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
existentialism
literary theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑negation affect authenticity?
- Can embracing contradictions alienate readers?
A Different Perspective
Fiction may become overly self‑critical, limiting emotional resonance.
