Authors Quote by Russell M. Goldfarb
““It is, of course, not only impossible for readers to know the intention of most, if not all, writers, but an author himself may think he is writing one thing while he is in fact writing something quite different.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Writing and Intent, 2018
Authors may misinterpret their own intentions, and readers often cannot know a writer’s true purpose.
In simple terms: Writers and readers can misunderstand intent.
Key Takeaway
Seek clarity and question assumptions.
Themes
writing
intent
interpretation
communication
authorial voice
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
curious
Type
Authors:1
Books:0
Intention:1
Writer:1
Writing:1
Think Writing:0
Author Think:0
Readers Know:0
Writers Author:0
Intention Writers:0
When to use this quote
- editing process
- literature analysis
- creative workshops
- academic study
Key Concepts
self‑reflection
reader response
narrative ambiguity
literary theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you assume author intent?
- How does ambiguity affect your reading?
A Different Perspective
Intent can be deliberately ambiguous for artistic effect.
