Character Quote by Mel Brooks
![“I started with [Leo] Tolstoy and I was overwhelmed. Tolstoy writes like an ocean, in huge, rolling waves, and it doesn't look like it was processed through his thinking. It feels very natural. You don't question whether Tolstoy's right or wrong. His philosophy is housed in interrelating…” quote by Mel Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a15/mel-brooks-2308_character_i-started-with-leo-tolstoy-and-i-was-ove_378838.jpg)
“I started with [Leo] Tolstoy and I was overwhelmed. Tolstoy writes like an ocean, in huge, rolling waves, and it doesn't look like it was processed through his thinking. It feels very natural. You don't question whether Tolstoy's right or wrong. His philosophy is housed in interrelating characters, so it's not up for grabs.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Mel Brooks on Literature, 1975
Tolstoy's expansive, natural prose immerses readers in deep philosophical ideas without overt argument, using interwoven characters.
In simple terms: Tolstoy writes naturally, letting ideas emerge through characters.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate storytelling that reveals philosophy subtly.
Themes
literature
philosophy
character-driven
depth
naturalism
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- reading groups
- creative writing workshops
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
narrative immersion
authorial voice
character interrelation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does character focus affect philosophical clarity?
- Can dense prose hinder accessibility?
A Different Perspective
His style may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with dense prose.
![“Comedy is lively, comedy is joy, and that's what keeps us [people] going, we've got to look forward to little, little happiness's. Little, little joys, and comedy is very, very important, it's a vital. We underestimate its value, but we should see more comedies. Comedy is life giving, it's…” quote by Mel Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/936/mel-brooks-2308_believe_comedy-is-lively-comedy-is-joy-and-that_36043.jpg)
![“The audience. They see the name Mel Brooks, they want something really funny. They don't want to be moved; they don't want to be taught any lessons. [...] I get more letters for Twelve Chairs and Life Stinks than I get from any other movies, because people actually agree with the philosophy…” quote by Mel Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/516/mel-brooks-2308_agree_the-audience-they-see-the-name-mel-brook_114482.jpg)
