Books Quote by Kurt Vonnegut
““The master of ceremonies asked people to say what they thought the function of the novel might be in modern society, and one critic said, 'To provide touches of color in rooms with all white walls.' Another one said, 'to describe blow-jobs artistically.' Another one said, 'to teach wives of junior executives what to buy next and how to act in a French restaurant.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview at the 1992 Frankfurt Book Fair, Kurt Vonnegut
The quote satates varied, often cynical views of the novel’s role as decorative, erotic, or instructional in contemporary culture.
In simple terms: People see novels as decoration, sexual art, or social guidance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the novel’s broader cultural impact beyond narrow stereotypes.
Themes
literature
culture
criticism
society
art
Mood
ironic
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- academic curricula
- marketing strategies
- social gatherings
- media analysis
Key Concepts
postmodernism
media influence
consumerism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you think novels can shape personal identity?
- What responsibilities do authors have to society?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the novel’s capacity for deep emotional truth and personal transformation.
![“I didn't understand for a long time, but what attracted me to MtAoFC [Mastering the Art of French Cooking] was the deeply buried aroma of hope and discovery of fulfillment in it. I thought I was using the Book to learn to cook French food, but really I was learning to sniff out the secret doors of…” quote by Julie Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/02c/julie-powell-10735_art_i-didn-t-understand-for-a-long-time-but_2575744.jpg)
![“Thomas Jefferson High School [..] His high school was named after a slave owner who was also one of the world’s greatest theoreticians on the subject of human liberty.” quote by Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/73a/kurt-vonnegut-41_freedom_thomas-jefferson-high-school-his-high-sc_9727.jpg)
