Appetite Quote by Laurence Sterne
“Digressions, incontestably, are the sunshine, the life, the soul of reading! Take them out and one cold eternal winter would reign in every page. Restore them to the writer - he steps forth like a bridegroom, bids them all-hail, brings in variety and forbids the appetite to fail.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tristram Shandy, 1759
He argues that digressions enrich reading, preventing monotony and adding vitality to the narrative.
In simple terms: Digressions are the soul of reading.
Key Takeaway
Allow tangents to enliven text.
Themes
creativity
variety
engagement
Mood
playful
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- teaching reading
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
narrative structure
reader experience
Questions to Reflect On
- When do digressions enhance versus distract?
- How can writers balance focus and wandering?
A Different Perspective
Too many digressions can confuse the main plot.
