Skip to content

Agree Quote by William T. Vollmann

“Most literary critics agree that fiction cannot be reduced to mere falsehood. Well-crafted protagonists come to life, pornography causes orgasms, and the pretense that life is what we want it to be may conceivably bring about the desired condition. Hence religious parables, socialist realism, Nazi…” quote by William T. Vollmann
Download Open image
“Most literary critics agree that fiction cannot be reduced to mere falsehood. Well-crafted protagonists come to life, pornography causes orgasms, and the pretense that life is what we want it to be may conceivably bring about the desired condition. Hence religious parables, socialist realism, Nazi propaganda. And if this story likewise crawls with reactionary supernaturalism, that might be because its author longs to see letters scuttling across ceilings, cautiously beginning to reify themselves into angels. For if they could only do that, then why not us?”

William T. Vollmann

About This Quote

Source Book: Essays on Fiction, William T. Vollmann, 2005

Fiction can convey deeper truths than literal facts; stories shape perception and can inspire change.

In simple terms: Stories reveal truth beyond facts.

Key Takeaway

Use narrative to explore ideas.

Themes

fiction truth perception storytelling culture

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • literary analysis
  • creative writing
  • media criticism
  • education
  • activism

Key Concepts

metafiction psychology politics religion propaganda

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do stories influence your worldview?
  • When can fiction become harmful?
A Different Perspective

Narratives may be misused to manipulate belief.

3.4 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by William T. Vollmann

Explore all 186 William T. Vollmann quotes

More Agree quotes

Browse all 3,079 Agree quotes