To shift the structure of a sentence alters the meaning of that sentence, as definitely and inflexibly as the position of a camera alters the meaning of the object photographed.
Joan DidionRead
In many ways, writing is the act of saying 'I,' of imposing oneself upon other people, of saying, 'Listen to me, see it my way, change your mind.' It's an aggressive, even a hostile act.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing is a personal expression that asserts the author's viewpoint and invites others to adopt it.
In this quote, Joan Didion highlights the assertive and sometimes confrontational nature of writing. She suggests that through writing, an author presents their personal perspective and engages others with the intention of persuasion, which can be seen as an act of assertion or even hostility towards differing views.
Themes
WritingExpressionPersuasionCommunicationAssertion
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on creative writing, this quote can be used to encourage participants to express their unique voices.
More from Joan Didion
All quotes βThe truth is, it's easier for me to write than talk... to express the state I'm in at any time.
Joan DidionRead
Memories are what you no longer want to remember.
Joan DidionRead
It was clear, for example, in 1988 that the political process had already become perilously remote from the electorate it was meant to represent.
Joan DidionRead
I mean maybe I was holding all the aces, but what was the game?
Joan DidionRead
Do not whine... Do not complain. Work harder. Spend more time alone.
Joan DidionRead
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To me, a song is not finished. To me, there's no such thing as a finished anything. All of Beethoven's nine symphonies, to me, are one. I think of it as having no beginning and no end.
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