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Awareness Quote by Tom Wolfe

“don't just describe an emotion, arouse it, make them experience it, by manipulating the symbol of the emotion, and sometimes we have to come into awareness through the back door.” quote by Tom Wolfe
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“don't just describe an emotion, arouse it, make them experience it, by manipulating the symbol of the emotion, and sometimes we have to come into awareness through the back door.”

Tom Wolfe

About This Quote

Source Interview: "The Art of Narrative", 1995

Effective writing should evoke feelings, not just label them, using symbolic cues and indirect awareness techniques.

In simple terms: Make readers feel, not just read.

Key Takeaway

Use symbols to trigger emotion.

Themes

writing emotion symbolism

Mood

creative introspective

Type

instructional inspirational

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • advertising
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

psychology sensory engagement

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you ensure symbols convey the intended feeling?
  • What indirect cues best evoke emotion?
A Different Perspective

Symbols may be misinterpreted, reducing clarity.

3.6 out of 5 (3 ratings)

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