Better Quote by Laura van den Berg
“We write in a culture that favors the heft of the novel. Better still if the novel in question is large enough to be wielded interchangeably as a doorstop and a weapon.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Novel as Object, Laura van den Berg, 2019
The quote critiques a culture that values massive, unwieldy novels, treating them as both functional objects and symbols of power.
In simple terms: Culture prizes huge novels as both tools and weapons.
Key Takeaway
Question the value of size over substance.
Themes
culture
literature
materialism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- publishing decisions
- library acquisitions
- creative writing workshops
Key Concepts
objectification
symbolism
consumerism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a novel's physical size say about its intended impact?
- How can we balance form and function in literature?
A Different Perspective
Large works may be impractical and limit accessibility.
