Animal Quote by Lorrie Moore
“If one loves stories, then one would naturally love the story of the story. Or the story behind the story, pick your preposition. It does seem to me to be a kind of animal impulse almost, a mammalian curiosity. For a reader to wonder about the autobiography in a fiction may be completely unavoidable and in fact may speak to the success of a particular narrative, though it may also speak to its failure.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, “The Story of the Story” by Lorrie Moore, 2005
The quote explores how readers are drawn to meta‑narratives, seeking the story behind the story, reflecting a natural curiosity that can both enrich and undermine a work.
In simple terms: Readers love looking behind the story, showing curiosity that can help or hurt a narrative.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and balance meta‑elements to enhance rather than distract.
Themes
curiosity
meta‑narrative
reader engagement
storytelling
literary analysis
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- book reviews
- creative writing workshops
- literary criticism
- author interviews
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
self‑reflexivity
narrative depth
psychology of reading
Questions to Reflect On
- How does meta‑storytelling affect your immersion?
- When does curiosity become distraction?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on meta‑narratives can alienate readers seeking straightforward storytelling.
