Famous quote by Joan Didion

"Yes, but another writer I read in high school who just knocked me out was Theodore Dreiser. I read An American Tragedy all in one weekend and couldn't put it down - I locked myself in my room. Now that was antithetical to every other book I was reading at the time because Dreiser really had no style, but it was powerful"

About this Quote

In this quote, Joan Didion reviews the profound impact that reading Theodore Dreiser's "An American Tragedy" had on her during her high school years. Her statement exposes a number of layers of engagement with the text and provides insight into her developing understanding of literature.

First of all, Didion explains Dreiser's work as one that "knocked [her] out", suggesting a deep psychological or intellectual effect. The use of this colloquial expression emphasizes the intensity of her reaction, highlighting that the experience was both unanticipated and overwhelming. This highlights the power of literature to affect readers exceptionally, specifically in developmental years.

By mentioning that she checked out the book "all in one weekend" and "couldn't put it down", Didion shows the engaging nature of Dreiser's story. Her decision to "lock [herself] in [her] room" further highlights a desire to fully immerse herself in the world of the novel, suggesting a temporary escape or retreat into the story's complexities and the moral issues dealt with by its characters.

Didion contrasts "An American Tragedy" with other books she read at the time, noting that Dreiser's lack of stylistic finesse was "antithetical" to her usual readings. This comment exposes Didion's gratitude for literary style, which is often characterized by eloquence and aesthetic information. However, in spite of Dreiser's purported "lack of design", she acknowledges the book's narrative power. It suggests that she values substance and story engagement over stylistic artistry in this context.

Eventually, Didion's reflection uses insight into how literature can mesmerize readers through the strength of its storytelling and thematic depth, even when it defies standard expectations of style. Her appreciation of Dreiser's work suggests an openness to varied literary types and voices, an openness that most likely informed her advancement as an author and thinker.

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About the Author

USA Flag This quote is from Joan Didion somewhere between December 5, 1934 and today. He/she was a famous Author from USA. The author also have 28 other quotes.
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