"Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will"

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's quote, "Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it protest his will", speaks with the complex relationship between an artist's individuality and their imaginative expressions. This informative reflection welcomes us to consider how individual experiences, beliefs, and subconscious influences shape artistic output, despite an author's intent to keep objectivity or detachment.

In essence, Goethe's declaration acknowledges that authors inevitably infuse their stories with elements of their own lives, inclinations, and psychological landscapes. This phenomenon happens due to the fact that storytelling, at its core, is a human undertaking deeply braided with individual perception and understanding. Even when authors aim to create fictional worlds or embrace perspectives far removed from their own, their worldview, cultural background, and individual experiences discreetly penetrate their work, coloring characters, styles, and plots.

Furthermore, the subconscious mind plays an essential function in creative processes. Writers may accidentally project their stress and anxieties, dreams, goals, and unsettled conflicts onto their characters and stories. This unconscious representation manifests as repeating themes, character traits, or thematic preoccupations that mirror the author's internal landscape. This consistent, albeit unintended, self-revelation enhances literary works, imbuing them with authenticity and emotional depth.

At another level, Goethe's quote highlights the inevitability of individual impact no matter the author's efforts to mask it. This can be illuminated by taking a look at works from diverse genres and time periods where authors either purposely or automatically battle with their identities, yielding developments that resonate with readers on a personal and universal level. The authenticity inherent in these self-portraits promotes a connection between author and reader, assisting in compassion and understanding across temporal and cultural divides.

Eventually, this effective assertion by Goethe encourages readers to appreciate literature as both an artistic creation and a mirror reflecting the multifaceted human experience. It highlights the concept that storytelling, in its purest kind, is an act of sharing one's mankind, whether intentional or not, welcoming us to see the artist behind the art.