Character Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
““It may be that in his rogues the writer gratifies instincts deep-rooted in him, which the manners and customs of a civilised world have forced back to the mysterious recesses of the subconscious. In giving to the character of his invention flesh and bones he is giving life to that part of himself which finds no other means of expression. His satisfaction is a sense of liberation. The writer is more concerned to know than to judge.””
About This Quote
The writer channels suppressed instincts into characters, finding liberation through creation rather than judgment.
In simple terms: Writing frees hidden instincts.
Key Takeaway
Use creative work to express suppressed feelings.
Themes
creativity
self‑expression
liberation
Mood
introspective
inspirational
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- therapy
- screenwriting
Key Concepts
psychology of art
subconscious
authorial identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What parts of yourself do you hide?
- How does creation differ from judgment?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex psychological processes.
![“[B]ut it is only what happens, when they die, to all mortals. The sinews no longer hold the flesh and the bones together, and once the spirit has let the white bones, all the rest of the body is made subject to the fire's strong fury, but the soul flitters out like a dream and flies away.” quote by Homer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/04b/homer-357_body_b-ut-it-is-only-what-happens-when-they-d_1170176.jpg)
