Famous quote by Theodore Sturgeon

"Some major writers have a huge impact, like Ayn Rand, who to my mind is a lousy fiction writer because her writing has no compassion and virtually no humor. She has a philosophical and economical message that she is passing off as fiction, but it really isn't fiction at all"

About this Quote

The quote by Theodore Sturgeon shows a critical assessment of Ayn Rand's literary work, especially focusing on the viewed drawbacks in her imaginary writing style. Sturgeon's critique centers on two primary concerns: the lack of empathy and humor in Rand's writing, and the mixing of philosophical and economic messages with the narrative, which he argues weakens its identity as fiction.

To start with, Sturgeon's comment that Rand is a "lousy fiction writer" due to the absence of compassion highlights his belief that her characters and narratives do not have emotional depth and compassion. In literature, compassion normally manifests as an expedition of characters' feelings and ethical intricacies, allowing readers to connect with them on a human level. Sturgeon recommends that Rand's characters might come across as ideological constructs or vessels for her philosophical ideas, instead of totally realized people with relatable human experiences.

The reference of "virtually no humor" points to another conventional component of engaging fiction that Sturgeon finds missing out on in Rand's work. Humor in literature frequently supplies relief, adds layers to characters, or uses a method to review society in a palatable way. Sturgeon's critique could suggest that Rand's writing is excessively major or didactic, possibly making it less accessible or pleasurable for some readers.

Moreover, Sturgeon declares that Rand's work is not truly fiction however rather philosophical and affordable writings masquerading as novels. This observation indicates that Rand's stories are vehicles for stating her Objectivist approach and capitalist ideals rather of focusing mainly on storytelling. In fiction, the narrative and character advancement generally take precedence, with any philosophical or ideological expeditions integrated organically into the story. Sturgeon is recommending that Rand's work may have inverted these top priorities, focusing on message over narrative.

In summary, Sturgeon's quote critiques Ayn Rand's fiction for its absence of emotional engagement and humorous insight and concerns the authenticity of her work as fiction due to its obvious philosophical foundations.

More details

TagsCompassion

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by Theodore Sturgeon between February 26, 1918 and May 8, 1985. He/she was a famous Writer from USA. The author also have 36 other quotes.
Go to author profile

Similar Quotes