Autobiography Quote by Joseph Conrad
““...if it be true that every novel contains an element of autobiography—and this can hardly be denied, since the creator can only express himself in his creation—then there are some of us to whom an open display of sentiment is repugnant.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: General remarks on autobiography in literature
Suggests that many writers resist overt sentimentality, finding it repugnant.
In simple terms: Writers often hide personal feelings.
Key Takeaway
Respect the balance between personal and universal themes.
Themes
literature
autobiography
sentimentality
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing novels
- literary criticism
- creative process
Key Concepts
Self‑expression
authorial distance
Questions to Reflect On
- How much of a work reflects its creator?
- When does sentiment become a weakness?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify author motives.
