The very essence of literature is the war between emotion and intellect, between life and death. When literature becomes too intellectual - when it begins to ignore the passions, the emotions - it becomes sterile, silly, and actually without substance.
Isaac Bashevis Singer
Singer identifies the two extremes of poor written art, overly emotional or overly intellectual. With overly emotional, the writer is expresses everything with no shape. With overly intellectual, the writer provides a clever puzzle that ultimately doesn't engage the reader.
Glad you found the quotes worthwhile, Manny.
ReplyDeleteAnything overly emotional, be it literature or otherwise draws attention away from the central theme.
Overly intellectual may appeal to some, but those who read for pleasure might find that style very intimidating.