"Great literature must spring from an upheaval in the author's soul. If that upheaval is not present then it must come from the works of any other author which happens to be handy and easily adapted"

Robert Benchley's quote looks into the genesis and credibility of excellent literature, proposing a dual pathway to accomplishing it. The first path he describes involves an "upheaval in the author's soul," recommending that extensive and real literature develops from deeply individual experiences, emotions, or disputes within the author. This turmoil is the emotional and intellectual catalyst that moves the imaginative procedure, imbuing the work with sincerity and depth. Benchley implies that such literature emerges organically when an author translates their inner chaos or passions into text, producing works that resonate on an essential human level.

However, Benchley acknowledges an alternative technique if this individual chaos is missing. He humorously recommends that in the lack of internal turmoil, authors can draw motivation from "the works of any other author which takes place to be handy and quickly adapted." This path mean the practice of finding inspiration or adopting styles and designs from existing literature. While this approach might lack the raw, original strength discovered in the very first method, it underlines a useful element of literary development: the idea that literature can be derivative but still engaging if it successfully adapts and reinterprets existing themes or styles.

In general, Benchley's quote underscores the value of authenticity and motivation in literature but recognizes the diverse sources from which an author can draw. He subtly highlights the interplay in between originality and influence, suggesting that while the most impactful literature frequently originates from personal upheaval, imagination can likewise originate from reinterpretation and adjustment of existing works. Additionally, the juxtaposition of earnest soul-searching versus a more pragmatic loaning serves to remind readers of the diverse techniques authors utilize to produce impactful literature, emphasizing both the sanctity of personal experience and the value of literary tradition.