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Aim Quote by Northrop Frye

“Beauty and truth may be attributes of good writing, but if the writer deliberately aims at truth, he is likely to find that what he has hit is the didactic.” quote by Northrop Frye
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“Beauty and truth may be attributes of good writing, but if the writer deliberately aims at truth, he is likely to find that what he has hit is the didactic.”

Northrop Frye

About This Quote

Source Book: Anatomy of Criticism, 1957

Writers seeking truth may end up producing didactic work, losing artistic subtlety.

In simple terms: Seeking truth can make writing overly instructional.

Key Takeaway

Balance truth with artistic nuance.

Themes

truth writing didacticism

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • creative writing workshops
  • literary analysis
  • teaching composition

Key Concepts

literary theory artistic expression authorial intent

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does truth become didactic?
  • How to preserve subtlety while being truthful?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on truth may alienate readers.

2.9 out of 5 (10 ratings)

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