Books Quote by Robert Aickman
““Nothing is more lethal to the effect that a ghost story should make than for the author to provide alternative materialist solution. This reduces a poem to a puzzle and confines the reader’s spirit instead of enlarging it.””
About This Quote
The author argues that forcing a materialist explanation on a ghost story limits its mystery, turning poetry into a restrictive puzzle.
In simple terms: Over‑explaining a ghost story kills its mystery.
Key Takeaway
Allow ambiguity to expand imagination.
Themes
mystery
literature
interpretation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- literary analysis
- storytelling
Key Concepts
ghost stories
poetry
reader freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you enjoy ambiguous stories?
- How does mystery affect your reading?
A Different Perspective
Some readers prefer clear explanations.
![“Give up all the wild ideas that buzz round you like wasps. Or like bluebottles. […] Find a nice, ordinary girl, not too attractive or you’ll be jealous all the time, not too bright or you’ll be anxious all the time, not too rich or you’ll have nothing to strive for, not too original or she’ll…” quote by Robert Aickman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/27e/robert-aickman-25472_quote_give-up-all-the-wild-ideas-that-buzz-rou_1626494.jpg)
