"The writer isn't made in a vacuum. Writers are witnesses. The reason we need writers is because we need witnesses to this terrifying century"

E. L. Doctorow's assertion that "The writer isn't made in a vacuum. Writers are witnesses. The reason we require writers is because we require witnesses to this frightening century" highlights the necessary function of writers as observers and chroniclers of their times. This point of view recommends that authors are not isolated developers, but rather active individuals in the social, political, and historic contexts they occupy. By mentioning "The writer isn't made in a vacuum", Doctorow challenges the notion of the singular genius, highlighting that writers are shaped by their environment and experiences. This interconnectedness between the writer and their world suggests that composing is a reaction to and reflection of the times, instead of a simply isolated act of production.

Doctorow further describes writers as "witnesses", bestowing upon them a duty to observe, interpret, and document the truths of their era. This characterization implies that writers have a responsibility to capture the essence and nuances of the world around them, offering stories that hold a mirror to society. The act of seeing indicates an engagement with the world, demanding writers to face and engage with the realities, injustices, and intricacies of human experience.

Furthermore, Doctorow describes "this scary century", suggesting that writers have a vital role in recording the obstacles and transformations of their age. The 20th and early 21st centuries have been marked by quick technological, social, and political modifications, along with significant upheavals and disputes. By attesting, writers assist to understand these events, providing insights, reviews, and reflections that add to a wider understanding of the human condition.

In essence, Doctorow's quote underscores the idea that writers serve as essential conduits in between the present moment and future generations, supplying context, meaning, and narrative to the constant unfolding of history. By seeing and recording the truths of their time, writers guarantee that the stories and lessons of the past endure and inform the future.