--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I tend not to know what the plot is or…" description: "\"I tend not to know what the plot is or the story is or even the theme. Those things come later, for me.\" — Michael Ondaatje" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0fd/michael-ondaatje-940_later_i-tend-not-to-know-what-the-plot-is-or-t_2919311.png" --- # I tend not to know what the plot is or the story is or… ![“I tend not to know what the plot is or the story is or even the theme. Those things come later, for me.” quote by Michael Ondaatje](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0fd/michael-ondaatje-940_later_i-tend-not-to-know-what-the-plot-is-or-t_2919311.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0fd/michael-ondaatje-940_later_i-tend-not-to-know-what-the-plot-is-or-t_2919311.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0fd/michael-ondaatje-940_later_i-tend-not-to-know-what-the-plot-is-or-t_2919311.png) > “I tend not to know what the plot is or the story is or even the theme. Those things come later, for me.” [Michael Ondaatje](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ondaatje/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Narrative elements may be unclear initially; meaning emerges later. **In simple terms:** Plot unclear at first. Key Takeaway Embrace uncertainty, let story unfold. Themes creativity process uncertainty Mood thoughtful patient Type literary reflective When to use this quote - writing workshops - personal reflection - story analysis Key Concepts literary theory psychology Questions to Reflect On - How do you cope with ambiguity? - What reveals meaning over time? A Different Perspective Lack of structure can frustrate readers. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [As a matter of writing philosophy, if there is one, I try not to ever plot a story. 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