--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: [Vathek] has, in parts, been called, but…" description: "\"[Vathek] has, in parts, been called, but to some judgments, never is, dull: it is certainly in parts, grotesque, extravagant and even nasty. But Beckfo..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a4/william-thomas-beckford-93528_atrocities_vathek-has-in-parts-been-called-but-to-s_668562.jpg" --- # \[Vathek\] has, in parts, been called, but to some… ![“[Vathek] has, in parts, been called, but to some judgments, never is, dull: it is certainly in parts, grotesque, extravagant and even nasty. But Beckford could plead sufficient "local colour" for it, and a contrast, again almost Shakespearean, between the flickering farce atrocities of the…” quote by William Thomas Beckford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a4/william-thomas-beckford-93528_atrocities_vathek-has-in-parts-been-called-but-to-s_668562.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a4/william-thomas-beckford-93528_atrocities_vathek-has-in-parts-been-called-but-to-s_668562.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a4/william-thomas-beckford-93528_atrocities_vathek-has-in-parts-been-called-but-to-s_668562.jpg) > “\[Vathek\] has, in parts, been called, but to some judgments, never is, dull: it is certainly in parts, grotesque, extravagant and even nasty. But Beckford could plead sufficient "local colour" for it, and a contrast, again almost Shakespearean, between the flickering farce atrocities of the beginning and the sombre magnificence of the end. Beckford's claims, in fact, rest on the half-score or even half-dozen pages towards the end: but these pages are hard to parallel in the later literature of prose fiction.” William Thomas Beckford ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Beckford’s novel mixes grotesque, extravagant scenes with darker, more sublime moments, showing a contrast between early farcical horror and later profound elegance. **In simple terms:** Vathek juxtaposes grotesque excess with later sublimity. Key Takeaway Recognize that works can contain both low and high artistic moments. Themes literature contrast grotesque sublimity genre blending Mood analytical appreciative Type statement When to use this quote - academic analysis - creative writing - book clubs - film adaptation Key Concepts narrative structure aesthetic theory historical reception Questions to Reflect On - How does the shift in tone affect your reading experience? - What does this contrast reveal about authorial intent? A Different Perspective Readers may focus only on the sensational parts, missing deeper artistic value. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Atrocities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atrocities/) [Colour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/colour/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Fiction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fiction/) [Judgment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/judgment/) [Literature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/literature/) [Magnificence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/magnificence/) [Prose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prose/) ## Related quotes > [I knew nothing about farce until I read Puce a l'Oreille, and had no idea what a deadly serious business it is.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-mortimer/i-knew-nothing-about-farce-until-i-read-puce-a-l-oreille-and-had-no/) [John Mortimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mortimer/) > [“Meaning, yes -- I don't really exist except on the page or in the back of your brain. 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