Brand names Quote by Peter York
“Brands are useful ways of short-handing practically anything - look at the way Tom Wolfe first used brand name lists to sharpen up a character and a situation. Look at the most brand-referenced novel, Bret Easton Ellis's 'Glamorama.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Branding in Literature, Peter York, 2015
Brands serve as shorthand to convey character traits and settings, enriching narrative depth.
In simple terms: Brands shortcut storytelling.
Use brands to add detail.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- advertising analysis
- media studies
- creative nonfiction
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance brand references with timeless themes?
- What brands best illustrate a character’s identity?
Overreliance may date a work or alienate readers.