The writer is the person who stands outside society, independent of affiliation and independent of influence.
Don DelilloRead
It's no accident that my first novel was called Americana. This was a private declaration of independence, a statement of my intention to use the whole picture, the whole culture.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the author's desire to capture the entirety of culture in his work.
In this quote, Don DeLillo reflects on the significance of his first novel, 'Americana,' as more than just a title; it represents a personal commitment to showcase the complete American experience. By mentioning a 'private declaration of independence', he conveys his intention to explore and depict the rich tapestry of American culture in a holistic manner, rather than focusing on fragmented or superficial elements.
Themes
AmericanaCultureIndependenceArtIntention
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the significance of cultural representation in literature.
More from Don Delillo
All quotes →War is the form nostalgia takes when men are hard-pressed to say something good about their country.
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American writers ought to stand and live in the margins, and be more dangerous.
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For me, writing is a concentrated form of thinking.
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I used to think it was possible for an artist to alter the inner life of the culture. Now bomb-makers and gunmen have taken that territory.
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[I]n the American soul there is a lonely individual standing in a vast landscape. He is either on a horse or driving a car, depending, and either way he’s carrying a gun. This is one of the essential images in American mythology.
Don DelilloRead
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