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Art Quote by Linda Austin

“Great artistic works are often based on solving several psychological problems simultaneously. In literature this is often accomplished by splitting apart the conflict and assigning each aspect to a different character. Marjie Rynearson, for instance, wrote an award-winning play, Jenny , about the…” quote by Linda Austin
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““Great artistic works are often based on solving several psychological problems simultaneously. In literature this is often accomplished by splitting apart the conflict and assigning each aspect to a different character. Marjie Rynearson, for instance, wrote an award-winning play, Jenny , about the meeting and reconciliation of two women: the mother of a murder victim and the mother of the murderer. Within the dialogue between the two characters she sought to resolve two sets of problems: the rage and grief of the victim's mother, and the horror, guilt, and grief of the murderer's mother. She worked on the play for several years, and only when it was finished did she realize that through it she was struggling to resolve her feelings about the suicide of her best friend. Rynearson had simultaneously been, in effect, both the friend of the victim and the friend of the perpetrator of the killing. The power of the work lay in its simultaneous resolution of conflicting problems.””

Linda Austin

About This Quote

Source Essay: Unknown, 2022

Art can solve multiple psychological conflicts at once by assigning each to different characters, enabling deeper emotional resolution.

In simple terms: Stories help work through many feelings.

Key Takeaway

Use layered characters to explore complex issues.

Themes

psychology creativity conflict resolution

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

explanatory inspirational

When to use this quote

  • playwriting
  • therapy
  • team building
  • education

Key Concepts

character development empathy catharsis

Questions to Reflect On

  • What conflict could you split into separate voices?
  • How might multiple perspectives deepen understanding?
A Different Perspective

Complex narratives can confuse audiences if not clear.

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