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Quote Explanation help?
The quote:
"When we move on to literature, we again find conventions, but this time we notice that they are conventions, because we’re not so used to them. These conventions seem to have something to do with making literature as unlike life as possible....In fact, whenever literature gets too probable, too much like life, some self-defeating process, some mysterious law of diminishing returns, seems to set in. " by Northrop Frye, Keys to Dreamland
What does the writer mean by "some self-defeating process, some mysterious law of diminishing"?
1 Answer
- neona807Lv 51 decade agoFavorite Answer
I am not sure about my answer, but what it sounds like is when a novel or story gets too literal - instead of being an escape from our problems, it becomes a reminder of our problems. Its defeating what it set out to do - which is to enlighten, entertain or possibly educate.
If I want to read about problems and everyday issues, I'll pick up the newspaper. If I want to read about something that will challenge my mind, entertain me or enlighten me, I will pick up a book. If the book doesn't do any of those things for me, I will stop reading it.
I don't know if thats the correct answer, but its what I personally think thats what the quote means.