Art Quote by Joyce Carol Oates
“There should really not be anything gratuitous in a work of art. Sometimes what seems as if it's gratuitous may be a passage in which a character is being characterized so that the reader comes to know him or her better.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Art and Narrative, Joyce Carol Oates, 1995
Art should avoid unnecessary excess; what appears gratuitous can serve to deepen character understanding.
In simple terms: Unnecessary details can actually reveal character.
Key Takeaway
Consider each element’s purpose.
Themes
art criticism
character development
literary theory
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
critical
interpretive
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- film script
- creative workshops
- editing sessions
Key Concepts
narrative function
characterization
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a seemingly superfluous scene affect your perception of a character?
- When is excess justified in storytelling?
A Different Perspective
Not all excess is wasteful; some may be subtle or symbolic.
