"If there were genders to genres, fiction would be unquestionably feminine"

This quote by William Gass suggests that fiction is a category that is naturally feminine. He indicates that if there were genders designated to categories, fiction would be the most womanly of them all. This could be translated in a few ways. To start with, it might be seen as a declaration of appreciation for the womanly qualities of fiction, such as its capability to check out feelings and relationships in a manner that is often seen as more generally womanly. It could likewise be viewed as a criticism of the manner in which fiction is typically seen as a less severe genre than non-fiction, and that this is due to its perceived femininity. Finally, it might be viewed as a declaration about the significance of female authors and their contributions to the category of fiction. Whatever the interpretation, this quote highlights the importance of acknowledging the womanly qualities of fiction and the value of female authors in the category.