There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
If a secret history of books could be written, and the author's private thoughts and meanings noted down alongside of his story, how many insipid volumes would become interesting, and dull tales excite the reader!
Interpretation
What this quote means
Books can become more intriguing when the author's intentions and thoughts are revealed.
This quote by William Makepeace Thackeray suggests that the hidden insights and personal thoughts of authors can transform mundane stories into fascinating narratives. It highlights the importance of context and authorial intention in understanding a piece of literature, implying that what may seem dull at first glance might reveal exciting layers when viewed through the lens of the author's private musings.
Themes
BooksAuthorsStoriesLiteratureInsights
In practice
Example use cases
During a literary discussion, you might use this quote to emphasize the depth of meaning in books.
More from William Makepeace Thackeray
All quotes →There's a great power of imagination about these little creatures, and a creative fancy and belief that is very curious to watch . . . I am sure that horrid matter-of-fact child-rearers . . . do away with the child's most beautiful privilege. I am determined that Anny shall have a very extensive and instructive store of learning in Tom Thumbs, Jack-the-Giant-Killers, etc.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
When you look at me, when you think of me, I am in paradise.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
And in those varieties of pain of which we spoke anon, what a part of confidante has that poor teapot played ever since the kindly plant was introduced among us! What myriads of women have cried over it, to be sure! What sickbeds it has smoked by! What fevered lips have received refreshment from out of it! Nature meant very gently by women when she made that teaplant; and with a little thought what a series of pictures and groups the fancy may conjure up and assemble round the teapot and cup!
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
The play is done; the curtain drops,_x000D_ _x000D_ Slow falling to the prompter's bell_x000D_ _x000D_ A moment yet the actor stops_x000D_ _x000D_ And looks around to say farewell.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.
William Makepeace ThackerayRead
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My books never go where I think they're going.
Khaled HosseiniRead
Sometimes I sensed that the books I read in rapid succession had set up some sort of murmur among themselves, transforming my head into an orchestra pit where different musical instruments sounded out, and I would realize that I could endure this life because of these musicales going on in my head.
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If a writer knows what he or she is doing, I'll go along for the ride. If he or she doesn't... well, I'm in my fifties now, and there are a lot of books out there. I don't have time to waste with the poorly written ones.
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At the time I was growing up, literature was involved with the so-called confessional poets. And I was not interested in that. I did not think that specific and personal perspective functioned well for the reader at all.
Mary OliverRead
Until the 20th century it was generally assumed that a writer had said what he had to say in his works.
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I love it when novels contain a broad cast of characters, including queer ones.
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