Ass Quote by Margaret Atwood
“People talking about politics usually start from the ass end backwards in that they think you have a political agenda, and then you make your work fit that cookie cutter. It's the other way around. One works by simple observation, looking into things. It's usually called insight and out of that comes your view - not that you have the view first and then squash everything to make it fit. I'm not interested in cutting the feet off my characters or stretching them to make them fit my certain political view.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Public Radio International, 2015
Effective storytelling arises from observation, not imposing pre‑existing political agendas onto characters.
In simple terms: Observe first, then form views.
Key Takeaway
Let characters shape ideas, not the reverse.
Themes
storytelling
politics
creativity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- character development
- political commentary
- creative process
Key Concepts
observation
insight
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure observation guides your work?
- What habits prevent agenda‑driven storytelling?
A Different Perspective
May limit narrative clarity when personal bias is strong.
