Appeals Quote by William Golding
“Experimental novels are sometimes terribly clever and very seldom read. But the story that appeals to the child sitting on your knee is the one that satisfies the curiosity we all have about what happened then, and then, and then. This is the final restriction put on the technique of telling a story. A basic thing called story is built into the human condition. It's what we are; it's something to which we react.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Lord of the Flies, 1954
Clever experimental works often attract admiration but few readers; stories that tap universal curiosity about past events engage people deeply.
In simple terms: Experimental works are clever but rarely read; simple stories satisfy curiosity.
Key Takeaway
Focus on universal, curiosity‑driven narratives.
Themes
storytelling
curiosity
human nature
literature
engagement
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- teaching children
- marketing books
- writing workshops
- film adaptations
Key Concepts
Narrative psychology
cultural resonance
reader response
Questions to Reflect On
- How can writers balance innovation with accessibility?
- What stories most awaken our innate curiosity?
A Different Perspective
Complex experimental forms may alienate mainstream audiences.
