Art Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
““There are three points of view from which a writer can be considered: he may be considered as a storyteller, as a teacher, and as an enchanter. A major writer combines these three — storyteller, teacher, enchanter — but it is the enchanter in him that predominates and makes him a major writer...The three facets of the great writer — magic, story, lesson — are prone to blend in one impression of unified and unique radiance, since the magic of art may be present in the very bones of the story, in the very marrow of thought...Then with a pleasure which is both sensual and intellectual we shall watch the artist build his castle of cards and watch the castle of cards become a castle of beautiful steel and glass.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Fiction, 1970
A great writer blends storytelling, teaching, and enchantment, with enchantment dominating to create a unified, radiant artistic experience.
In simple terms: Great writers combine story, lesson, and magic, especially enchantment.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate all three aspects in your writing.
Themes
creativity
teaching
storytelling
enchantment
Mood
inspired
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- creative projects
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Narrative theory
didacticism
aesthetic experience
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you weave enchantment without sacrificing clarity?
- Which role feels most natural to you?
A Different Perspective
Balancing these roles can dilute focus if not integrated skillfully.
![“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/vladimir-nabokov-198_children_under-no-circumstances-would-he-humbert_16228.jpg)
