The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
An incinerator is a writer's best friend.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writers use the act of discarding ideas to refine their work.
In this quote, Thornton Wilder suggests that a writer's incinerator symbolizes the importance of eliminating unnecessary thoughts and drafts in the writing process. By acknowledging that not every idea is worth keeping, writers can focus on developing their best work, emphasizing the value of editing and the creative process of letting go.
Themes
WritingEditingCreativityProcessDraft
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, when discussing the importance of editing, one might say, 'As Thornton Wilder said, an incinerator is a writer's best friend.'
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
Thornton WilderRead
Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
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When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
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Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
Thornton WilderRead
I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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