20th century Quote by Louis Auchincloss
![“I don't particularly care about having [my characters] talk realistically, that doesn't mean very much to me. Actually, a lot of people speak more articulately than some critics think, but before the 20th century it really didn't occur to many writers that their language had to be the language of…” quote by Louis Auchincloss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6a0/louis-auchincloss-14878_20th-century_i-don-t-particularly-care-about-having-m_1290917.jpg)
“I don't particularly care about having [my characters] talk realistically, that doesn't mean very much to me. Actually, a lot of people speak more articulately than some critics think, but before the 20th century it really didn't occur to many writers that their language had to be the language of everyday speech. When Wordsworth first considered that in poetry, it was considered very much of a shocker. And although I'm delighted to have things in ordinary speech, it's not what I'm trying to perform myself at all: I want my characters to get their ideas across, and I want them to be articulate.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Craft, 1990s
The author prefers characters to be articulate rather than strictly realistic, valuing clear idea transmission over mimicking everyday speech.
In simple terms: Characters should convey ideas clearly, not mimic everyday talk.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize clarity over realism.
Themes
writing
characterization
language
articulation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
instructional
reflective
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- teaching writing
- editing
Key Concepts
Narrative voice
literary realism
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How does articulate speech affect reader connection?
- When is realistic dialogue essential?
A Different Perspective
Realistic dialogue may enhance immersion but can dilute intended clarity.
