--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If prose can cast a spell, we will listen…" description: "\"If prose can cast a spell, we will listen to it no matter what it's saying. If a narrative uses language in a magical and enlivening way, we will liste..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a1f/lorrie-moore-870_casts_if-prose-can-cast-a-spell-we-will-listen_2320101.jpg" --- # If prose can cast a spell, we will listen to it no matter… ![“If prose can cast a spell, we will listen to it no matter what it's saying. If a narrative uses language in a magical and enlivening way, we will listen to the story. But if the language doesn't cast a spell, we will listen to it only if it is telling us something that actually happened.” quote by Lorrie Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a1f/lorrie-moore-870_casts_if-prose-can-cast-a-spell-we-will-listen_2320101.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a1f/lorrie-moore-870_casts_if-prose-can-cast-a-spell-we-will-listen_2320101.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a1f/lorrie-moore-870_casts_if-prose-can-cast-a-spell-we-will-listen_2320101.jpg) > “If prose can cast a spell, we will listen to it no matter what it's saying. If a narrative uses language in a magical and enlivening way, we will listen to the story. But if the language doesn't cast a spell, we will listen to it only if it is telling us something that actually happened.” [Lorrie Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lorrie-moore/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The power of prose lies in its magical language; when words enchant, we are compelled to listen regardless of content. **In simple terms:** Enchanting language captures attention beyond factual content. Key Takeaway Prioritize lyrical, evocative writing. Themes language magic attention storytelling Mood captivated curious Type literary reflective When to use this quote - creative writing - literary analysis - teaching writing - reading groups Key Concepts aestheticism narrative enchantment Questions to Reflect On - How does lyrical language affect comprehension? - When do you prefer factual over poetic storytelling? A Different Perspective Even magical prose may fail if it lacks emotional truth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Narrative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/narrative/) [Prose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prose/) [Stories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stories/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [language is magical - it's a form of conjuring. If you do it convincingly, readers will follow you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ruth-ozeki/language-is-magical-it-s-a-form-of-conjuring-if-you-do-it/) [Ruth Ozeki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruth-ozeki/) > [Imagine (if you dare) a whimsical marriage of Lord Dunsany and S.J. 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