Abuse Quote by Natalie Clifford Barney
“To mis-quote is the very foundation of original style. The success of most writers is almost entirely due to continuous and courageous abuse of familiar misquotation.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Writing, 1920s (attributed)
The quote suggests that deliberately misquoting is a creative act that defines a writer’s unique voice, and that many writers succeed by boldly reshaping familiar lines.
In simple terms: Deliberate misquoting creates a distinct style and fuels success.
Key Takeaway
Embrace bold reinterpretation of familiar ideas.
Themes
creativity
style
literary innovation
risk-taking
Mood
playful
provocative
intellectual
Type
literary
commentary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- creative brainstorming
- teaching composition
Key Concepts
intertextuality
parody
originality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does altering a known phrase change its impact?
- When does homage become plagiarism?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on misquotation can alienate readers unfamiliar with the source.
