Anticipation Quote by Roger Rosenblatt
“Why, for example, do the great writers use anticipation instead of surprise? Because surprise is merely an instrument of the unusual, whereas anticipation of a consequence enlarges our understanding of what is happening.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The New Yorker, 1998
Anticipation deepens comprehension more than surprise, which only highlights novelty.
In simple terms: Anticipation expands understanding.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate foresight in storytelling.
Themes
narrative technique
reader engagement
story structure
Mood
analytical
educational
philosophical
Type
writing
psychology
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- story outlines
- reader feedback sessions
- plot development
Key Concepts
anticipation vs surprise
cognitive expectation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does anticipation affect emotional impact?
- When is surprise more effective?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on surprise can feel gimmicky.
![“Intellectuals of [Albert] Camus' age who had previously disliked him now appreciate him. And at that point we come back to literature, and it's agreed that he was always a great writer.” quote by Catherine Camus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8e1/catherine-camus-12238_age_intellectuals-of-albert-camus-age-who-ha_155964.jpg)
![“[It is hard to know what is good luck and what isn't and therefore whether we should be happy or sad about it. Only time will tell. For example...] The Talmud relates a story about two people who wanted to travel by boat. One broke his foot and was unable to make the trip, while his friend got on…” quote by Zelig Pliskin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68d/zelig-pliskin-22951_anticipation_it-is-hard-to-know-what-is-good-luck-and_34545.jpg)
![“The only thing is that ordinarily when I do dance with [women] they think I am suddenly going to throw them over a table or twist them all around. All I want to do is one-two, one-two-three - a simple fox trot. But they're shaking with anticipation at the thought that I'm about to whip them around…” quote by Gene Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/073/gene-kelly-11878_anticipation_the-only-thing-is-that-ordinarily-when-i_44100.jpg)
