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Quote by William Stafford

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Writing the Australian Crawl: Views on the Writer's Vocation

In 'Writing the Australian Crawl: Views on the Writer's Vocation,' the author delves into the unique aspects of the writing process in Australia, examining the cultural, social, and personal influences that shape the work of Australian writers. The book provides a collection of essays and interviews that offer a diverse range of perspectives on the writer's journey, from the initial inspiration to the final publication. more

Author

William Stafford
William Stafford

William Stafford was an American poet known for his concise and straightforward style. His works often explore the relationship between the individual and society, as well as profound reflections on the nature and existence of humans. Born on January 17, 1914, and died on August 28, 1993. more

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“A novelist can shift view-point if it comes off. ... Indeed, this power to expand and contract perception (of which the shifting view-point is a symptom), this right to intermittent knowledge - I find one of the great advantages of the novel-form ... this intermittence lends in the long run variety and colour to the experiences we receive.”

“[T]he visibility of styles is itself a product of historical consciousness. ... The very notion of "style" needs to be approached historically. Awareness of style as a problematic and isolable element in a work of art has emerged in the audience for art only at certain historical moments - as a front behind which other issues, ultimately ethical and political, are being debated.”

“Tragedy is an imitation not only of a complete action, but of events inspiring fear and pity. Such an effect is best produced when the events come on us by surprise; and the effect is heightened when, at the same time, they follow as cause and effect. The tragic wonder will then be great than if they happened of themselves or by accident; for even coincidences are most striking when they have an air of design.”