Skip to content

Essay Quote by Kiese Laymon

“The "How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others" essay was so hard to write because of the memories, the sensory stuff, but also because it didn't follow the form of any essay that I've ever read. And the truth that I was exploring necessitated that obliteration of traditional form, I think.” quote by Kiese Laymon
Download Open image
“The "How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others" essay was so hard to write because of the memories, the sensory stuff, but also because it didn't follow the form of any essay that I've ever read. And the truth that I was exploring necessitated that obliteration of traditional form, I think.”

Kiese Laymon

About This Quote

Source Essay: Experimental Form, 2020

The essay struggles because it confronts painful memories and defies conventional structure, demanding a new form to express truth.

In simple terms: The essay is hard because it breaks traditional form to convey trauma.

Key Takeaway

Embrace new forms to articulate difficult truths.

Themes

form memory trauma expression creativity essay

Mood

introspective experimental

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • therapy
  • academic publishing

Key Concepts

literary innovation psychological processing narrative theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does form affect the impact of personal narrative?
  • Can breaking rules enhance honesty?
A Different Perspective

Non‑traditional forms may alienate some readers.

3.2 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Kiese Laymon

Explore all 26 Kiese Laymon quotes

More Essay quotes

Browse all 281 Essay quotes