Anguish Quote by William Faulkner
“The writer's only responsibility is to his art. He will be completely ruthless if he is a good one. He has a dream. It anguishes him so much he must get rid of it. He has no peace until then. Everything goes by the board: honor, pride, decency, security, happiness, all, to get the book written. If a writer has to rob his mother, he will not hesitate; the 'Ode on a Grecian Urn' is worth any number of old ladies.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Sound and the Fury, 1929
A writer must prioritize art above all personal and societal values, even at great personal cost.
In simple terms: Art trumps everything for a writer.
Key Takeaway
Put the work first, no matter the sacrifice.
Themes
art
sacrifice
integrity
obsession
Mood
intense
conflicted
determined
Type
literary
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- writing a novel
- pursuing a passion project
- overcoming financial hardship
- balancing family duties
Key Concepts
creative drive
ethical dilemma
artist's burden
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you sacrifice for your art?
- Is total devotion to work sustainable?
A Different Perspective
May neglect of other responsibilities harm the writer's life and relationships.
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