Disingenuous Quote by Joyce Carol Oates
“It seems disingenuous to ask a writer why she, or he, is writing about a violent subject when the world and history are filled with violence.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing Violence in Literature, 2015
Questioning a writer’s motives on violent topics ignores the world’s inherent violence.
In simple terms: Violence is everywhere, so writing about it is natural.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge context when critiquing art.
Themes
literature
violence
context
ethics
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- academic courses
- media criticism
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
artistic responsibility
societal reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How does literature reflect societal violence?
- When is depicting violence justified?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the impact of glorifying violence.
![“J'ai un but, une tâche, disons le mot, une passion. Le métier d'écrire en est une violente et presque indestructible." ("I have an object, a task, let me say the word, a passion. The profession of writing is a violent and almost indestructible one.") [Letter to Jules Boucoiran, 4 March 1831]” quote by George Sand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e16/george-sand-1753_passion_j-ai-un-but-une-t-che-disons-le-mot-une_995247.jpg)
