Famous quote by Irwin Shaw

"I cringe when critics say I'm a master of the popular novel. What's an unpopular novel?"

About this Quote

Irwin Shaw's quote, "I flinch when critics say I'm a master of the popular book. What's an unpopular novel?" catches his ambivalence toward the label "popular author" and challenges the preconceived notions embedded within literary criticism. By expressing discomfort with the term "popular novel", Shaw highlights a common stress in between literary prestige and mass appeal-- a divide where the former is often related to with higher esteem within scholastic and critical circles, while the latter is associated with business success and wider readership.

Shaw's rhetorical concern, "What's an out of favor book?" skillfully damages the basis of this distinction. It welcomes readers and critics alike to question the inherent valuation made in categorizing literature. His query indicates that the principle of an "out of favor book" is rather paradoxical; after all, books that do not engage an audience or resonate on some level generally fade into obscurity. Therefore, the concept that popularity diminishes literary benefit is taken into concern. Appeal, in Shaw's context, recommends availability, relatability, and the power to mesmerize a wide audience, which are significant literary achievements in their own right.

Additionally, Shaw's quote may show his awareness of the crucial landscape that often advantages challenging, complex, or avant-garde works. By doing so, critics may accidentally dismiss the cultural and artistic significance of works that appeal extensively. Shaw's discomfort is not just with being pigeonholed as a "popular" writer however also with the indicated stratification of literature that this label perpetuates.

In essence, Shaw's remark is a call to broaden the scope of literary appraisal beyond established biases. It promotes for an appreciation of literary works on the basis of their effect and emotional resonance with audiences, challenging critics to re-evaluate what makes up creative worth independent of categorization by appeal.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by Irwin Shaw between February 27, 1913 and May 16, 1984. He/she was a famous Novelist from USA. The author also have 37 other quotes.
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