Animal Quote by Teju Cole
“In a sense, Open City is a kind of Wunderkammer, one of those little rooms assembled with bric-a-brac by Renaissance scholars. I don't mean it as a term of praise: these cabinets of curiousities contained specific sorts of objects - maps, skulls (as memento mori), works of art, stuffed animals, natural history samples, and books - and Open City actually contains many of the same sort of objects. So, I don't think it's as simple as literary inclusiveness.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Open City by Teju Cole, 2011
The novel is likened to a Renaissance cabinet of curiosities, gathering diverse objects and observations, not merely to showcase inclusivity.
In simple terms: Open City gathers varied details like a curiosity cabinet.
Key Takeaway
Recognize depth beyond surface diversity.
Themes
literature
diversity
observation
history
culture
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
reflective
critical
When to use this quote
- travel writing
- city guides
- museum curation
- academic research
Key Concepts
Renaissance curiosity
urban exploration
intertextuality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the mix of objects shape your perception of a city?
- What does the term “Wunderkammer” reveal about modern storytelling?
A Different Perspective
Such collections can overwhelm or distract from central narratives.
