Aim Quote by Tennessee Williams
“When I write I don't aim to shock people, and I'm surprised when I do. But I don't think that anything that occurs in life should be omitted from art, though the artist should present it in a fashion that is artistic and not ugly. I set out to tell the truth. And sometimes the truth is shocking.”
About This Quote
Source Play: A Streetcar Named Desire, 1947
The artist should portray life honestly, even if it shocks, while maintaining aesthetic quality.
In simple terms: Truth in art may shock but must stay beautiful.
Key Takeaway
Present truth artistfully.
Themes
art
truth
shock
beauty
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- theatre
- writing
- visual arts
- media criticism
- public speaking
Key Concepts
aesthetic integrity
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when truth becomes too harsh?
- Can shock serve a higher artistic purpose?
A Different Perspective
Balancing honesty with taste can alienate audiences.
![“[Eugene Smith] was always writing these diatribes about truth, and how he wanted to tell the truth, the truth, the truth. It was a real rebel position. It was kind of like a teenager's position: why can't things be like they should be? Why can't I do what I want? I latched on to that philosophy…” quote by Larry Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e56/larry-clark-25877_hey_eugene-smith-was-always-writing-these-di_31228.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
![“I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback [in "The Invisible Woman"]. Ralph [Fiennes] was very open to my input, I think knowing that he couldn't always be there 100 percent, that he had dual aims with directing and acting.” quote by Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/felicity-jones-2070_acting_i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-wa_11933.jpg)
