Gesture Quote by Leonard Michaels
“I can only gesture at what makes a story good.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Interview with Leonard Michaels, The Paris Review, 1978
He suggests that only the essential elements that make a story compelling can be identified and expressed.
In simple terms: Only the core of a good story can be pointed out.
Key Takeaway
Focus on the story's essential qualities.
Themes
storytelling
essence
analysis
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
critical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- creative writing classes
- story analysis
- editing
Key Concepts
literary criticism
narrative theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a story 'good' for you?
- How do you identify essential story elements?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook subjective taste and cultural context.
