"Until the 20th century it was generally assumed that a writer had said what he had to say in his works"

This quote by John Updike speaks to the concept that prior to the 20th century, it was generally accepted that a writer's works were a reflection of their ideas and beliefs. This was a time when authors were anticipated to be sincere and forthright in their writing, and readers would take what they composed at face value. It was presumed that a writer had said all they had to state in their works, and that there was no requirement to look further for hidden significances or analyses. This quote talks to the concept that previous to the 20th century, authors were anticipated to be direct and honest in their writing, and readers would take what they composed at stated value. It was presumed that an author had actually said all they had to say in their works, which there was no need to look even more for surprise significances or analyses. This quote is a reminder of the importance of being truthful and direct in one's writing, and of the power of words to convey significance and feeling.