Anvils Quote by Robertson Davies
“Many authors write like amateur blacksmiths making their first horseshoe; the clank of the anvil, the stench of the scorched leather apron, the sparks and the cursing are palpable, and this appeals to those who rank "sincerity" very high. Nabokov is more like a master swordsmith making a fine blade; nothing is amiss, nothing is too much, there is no fuss, and the finished product must be handled with great care, or it will cut you badly.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Literary Criticism, 1990s
The author contrasts amateur writers with a blacksmith's crude work versus a master craftsman's refined sword, emphasizing the value of precision and care in writing.
In simple terms: Good writing is like a finely crafted sword.
Key Takeaway
Seek precision in writing.
Themes
craftsmanship
precision
literary quality
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
critical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- editing sessions
- literary analysis
- teaching composition
Key Concepts
metaphor
skill
artistry
Questions to Reflect On
- How can writers refine their craft?
- What does “swordsmith” imply about editing?
A Different Perspective
Mastery requires time and discipline.
![“Of course, both [Oscar] Wilde & [Vladimir] Nabokov believe in many things, and these things emerge in their writing clearly - for Wilde, the folly of humankind and the (romantic) grandeur of the heroic, lone individual (not unlike Wilde himself); for Nabokov, the possibility of a kind of…” quote by Joyce Carol Oates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/93f/joyce-carol-oates-344_ada_of-course-both-oscar-wilde-vladimir-nabo_1242421.jpg)
