--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is quite possible for a work of…" description: "\"It is quite possible for a work of literature to operate as a war machine upon its epoch.\" — Monique Wittig" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/840/monique-wittig-21336_books_it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-liter_254506.jpg" --- # It is quite possible for a work of literature to operate… ![“It is quite possible for a work of literature to operate as a war machine upon its epoch.” quote by Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/840/monique-wittig-21336_books_it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-liter_254506.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/840/monique-wittig-21336_books_it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-liter_254506.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/840/monique-wittig-21336_books_it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-liter_254506.jpg) > “It is quite possible for a work of literature to operate as a war machine upon its epoch.” [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Literature can act as a powerful force that reshapes its historical moment. **In simple terms:** Stories can change history. Key Takeaway Use art to challenge the times. Themes power culture history literature Mood provocative critical Type philosophical political When to use this quote - activist writing - academic curricula - public discourse - media analysis Key Concepts social critique political agency epochal impact Questions to Reflect On - How can a writer amplify impact? - What contexts make literature revolutionary? A Different Perspective Its influence may be limited by readership reach. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Literature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/literature/) [Machines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/machines/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) ## Related quotes > [The best work in literature is always done by those who do not depend on it for their daily bread and the highest form…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/the-best-work-in-literature-is-always-done-by-those-who-do-not-depend-2/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“Work from your own side of literature/ & room fetish, not "publishing's" - ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-kerouac/work-from-your-own-side-of-literature-room-fetish-not-publishing-s/) [Jack Kerouac](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-kerouac/) > [In my work, I attempt to deal with the Bible as I would deal with any work of literature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hershel-shanks/in-my-work-i-attempt-to-deal-with-the-bible-as-i-would-deal-with-any/) [Hershel Shanks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hershel-shanks/) > [Read, learn, work it up, go to the literature. Information is control.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joan-didion/read-learn-work-it-up-go-to-the-literature-information-is-control/) [Joan Didion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joan-didion/) > [The only test of work of literature is that it shall please other ages than its own.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerald-brenan/the-only-test-of-work-of-literature-is-that-it-shall-please-other/) [Gerald Brenan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerald-brenan/) > [Oh, it is quite possible that none of us in 'Downton' will ever again get the ratings this has had. But from a career…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-stevens/oh-it-is-quite-possible-that-none-of-us-in-downton-will-ever-again/) [Dan Stevens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-stevens/) > [“In fact, it is quite possible that you think you've found me (love) when you haven't.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leah-konen/in-fact-it-is-quite-possible-that-you-think-you-ve-found-me-love-when/) [Leah Konen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leah-konen/) > [If I hadn't had music in my life, it's quite possible I'd be dead and I'd much rather be alive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-hetfield/if-i-hadn-t-had-music-in-my-life-it-s-quite-possible-i-d-be-dead-and/) [James Hetfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-hetfield/) > [It's quite possible that he is the only man that I simply cannot have for reasons beyond us both. God doesn't make impossibilities all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-s-quite-possible-that-he-is-the-only-man-that-i-simply-cannot-have/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“It is quite possible that I may be altogether wrong in this idea. My own impression, however, is, that I am right.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wilkie-collins/it-is-quite-possible-that-i-may-be-altogether-wrong-in-this-idea-my/) [Wilkie Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wilkie-collins/) > [Watch out! It's quite possible that some of my best mistakes haven't yet been made.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashleigh-brilliant/watch-out-it-s-quite-possible-that-some-of-my-best-mistakes-haven-t/) [Ashleigh Brilliant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashleigh-brilliant/) > [It's quite possible there's as much lightning on Venus as on Earth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-grinspoon/it-s-quite-possible-there-s-as-much-lightning-on-venus-as-on-earth/) [David Grinspoon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-grinspoon/) > [“That there should be a reality hidden behind appearances is, after all, quite possible; that language might render such a thing would be an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emil-cioran/that-there-should-be-a-reality-hidden-behind-appearances-is-after-all/) [Emil Cioran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emil-cioran/) > [It is quite possible to work without results, but never will there be results without work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate/it-is-quite-possible-to-work-without-results-but-never-will-there-be/) [Nate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate/) > [Once you remove all unrealistic expectations, its quite possible the perfect man does actually exist.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/once-you-remove-all-unrealistic-expectations-its-quite-possible-the/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Monique Wittig > [Remember. Or, failing that, invent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/remember-or-failing-that-invent/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [“The women say that they could not eat hare veal or fowl, they say that they could not eat animals, but man, yes, they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/the-women-say-that-they-could-not-eat-hare-veal-or-fowl-they-say-that/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [The basic agreement between human beings, indeed what makes them human and makes them social, is language.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/the-basic-agreement-between-human-beings-indeed-what-makes-them-human/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [... I am with fire between my teeth and still nothing but my blank page.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/i-am-with-fire-between-my-teeth-and-still-nothing-but-my-blank-page/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [They say that oppression engenders hate. They are heard on all sides crying hate hate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/they-say-that-oppression-engenders-hate-they-are-heard-on-all-sides/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [The class struggle is precisely that which resolves the contradictions between two opposed classes by abolishing them at the same time that it constitutes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/the-class-struggle-is-precisely-that-which-resolves-the/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [Language casts sheaves of reality upon the social body, stamping it and violently shaping it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/language-casts-sheaves-of-reality-upon-the-social-body-stamping-it/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [“Despite all the evils they wished to crush me with/ I remain as steady as the three-legged cauldron.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/despite-all-the-evils-they-wished-to-crush-me-with-i-remain-as-steady/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [The dictionary is, however, only a rough draft.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/the-dictionary-is-however-only-a-rough-draft/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [Today, together, let us repeat as our slogan that all trace of violence must disappear from this earth, then the sun will be honey-colored…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/today-together-let-us-repeat-as-our-slogan-that-all-trace-of-violence/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [“There was a time when you were not a slave, remember that. You walked alone, full of laughter, you bathed bare-bellied. You say you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/there-was-a-time-when-you-were-not-a-slave-remember-that-you-walked/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [For there is no sex. There is but sex that is oppressed and sex that oppresses. It is oppression that creates sex and not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/for-there-is-no-sex-there-is-but-sex-that-is-oppressed-and-sex-that/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [I feel a near passion for intelligence at grips with itself and not letting go.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/i-feel-a-near-passion-for-intelligence-at-grips-with-itself-and-not/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [It is oppression that creates sex and not the contrary. The contrary would be to say that sex creates oppression, or to say that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/it-is-oppression-that-creates-sex-and-not-the-contrary-the-contrary/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) > [Not only do we naturalize history, but also consequently we naturalize the social phenomena which express our oppression, making change impossible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/not-only-do-we-naturalize-history-but-also-consequently-we-naturalize/) [Monique Wittig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) [Explore all 29 Monique Wittig quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/) ## More Books quotes > [I think a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/i-think-a-new-world-will-arise-out-of-the-religious-mists-when-we/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [If I had a dollar for every time I couldn’t sleep, I could buy a billion locks and finally read a book in peace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aesop-rock/if-i-had-a-dollar-for-every-time-i-couldn-t-sleep-i-could-buy-a/) [Aesop Rock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aesop-rock/) > [If what I write is literature, I guess you'd better emphasize the 'litter.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lydia-lunch/if-what-i-write-is-literature-i-guess-you-d-better-emphasize-the/) [Lydia Lunch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lydia-lunch/) > [My sentences got sharper and my stories more efficient, and I gradually learned to imagine the reader more clearly and to empathize with that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-thompson-walker/my-sentences-got-sharper-and-my-stories-more-efficient-and-i/) [Karen Thompson Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-thompson-walker/) > [Young men, especially in America, write to me and ask me to recommend “a course of reading.” Distrust a course of reading! People who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-lang/young-men-especially-in-america-write-to-me-and-ask-me-to-recommend-a/) [Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-lang/) > [“Within the pages of books, I've journeyed to Mandalay, the Milky Way and Santa Fe, without once having to leave my armchair.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-ansbro/within-the-pages-of-books-i-ve-journeyed-to-mandalay-the-milky-way/) [Kevin Ansbro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-ansbro/) > [The Rosary is the book of the blind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fulton-j-sheen/the-rosary-is-the-book-of-the-blind/) [Fulton J. Sheen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fulton-j-sheen/) > [“Tacitus did not write a most dangerous book. His readers made it so.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-k-krebs/tacitus-did-not-write-a-most-dangerous-book-his-readers-made-it-so/) Christopher K. Krebs > [“Take some books and read; that’s an immense help; and books are always good company if you have the right sort.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louisa-may-alcott/take-some-books-and-read-that-s-an-immense-help-and-books-are-always/) [Louisa May Alcott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louisa-may-alcott/) > [Reader, if you are gifted with nerves like mine, aspire to any character but that of a wit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/reader-if-you-are-gifted-with-nerves-like-mine-aspire-to-any/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [I have many who keep me going, I am very fortunate in this sense. There is nothing like a child who knows more about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/floyd-cooper/i-have-many-who-keep-me-going-i-am-very-fortunate-in-this-sense-there/) [Floyd Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/floyd-cooper/) > [I think books in which people are really happy and things are going well are probably the most challenging novels there are to write,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-quindlen/i-think-books-in-which-people-are-really-happy-and-things-are-going/) [Anna Quindlen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-quindlen/) > [It's like the query letter problem that I just mentioned, magnified a hundredfold. You might be good at telling a story, but that doesn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-rothfuss/it-s-like-the-query-letter-problem-that-i-just-mentioned-magnified-a/) [Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-rothfuss/) > [“Be careful about reading health books. Some fine day you'll die of a misprint.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/markus-herz/be-careful-about-reading-health-books-some-fine-day-you-ll-die-of-a/) Markus Herz > [But editors are still the world's readers. And thus the eyes of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/betsy-lerner/but-editors-are-still-the-world-s-readers-and-thus-the-eyes-of-the/) [Betsy Lerner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/betsy-lerner/) [Browse all 59,485 Books quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "It is quite possible for a work of literature to operate as a war machine upon its epoch.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Monique Wittig" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-literature-to-operate-as-a-war/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Books" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-literature-to-operate-as-a-war/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/840/monique-wittig-21336_books_it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-liter_254506.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/840/monique-wittig-21336_books_it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-liter_254506.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/840/monique-wittig-21336_books_it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-liter_254506.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“It is quite possible for a work of literature to operate as a war machine upon its epoch.” — Monique Wittig", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Monique Wittig", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monique-wittig/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "It is quite possible for a...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-literature-to-operate-as-a-war/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monique-wittig/it-is-quite-possible-for-a-work-of-literature-to-operate-as-a-war/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```