Damn Quote by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
“Hemingway, damn his soul, makes everything he writes terrifically exciting (and incidentally makes all us second-raters seem positively adolescent) by the seemingly simple expedient of the iceberg principle - three-fourths of the substance under the surface. He comes closer that way to retaining the magic of the original, unexpressed idea or emotion, which is always more stirring than any words. But just try and do it!”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on Hemingway’s Style, 1940
She praises Hemingway’s use of the iceberg principle, where most meaning lies beneath the surface, creating depth and excitement.
In simple terms: Hemingway hides most meaning below the surface.
Key Takeaway
Embrace subtlety in writing.
Themes
literature
style
creativity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- literary analysis
- editing practice
Key Concepts
iceberg principle
subtext
narrative technique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance hidden depth with clarity?
- When does subtlety hinder understanding?
A Different Perspective
Risk of obscurity if too much is hidden.
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