Vance Palmer Quotes

A collection of quotes by Vance Palmer.

Vance Palmer (1885-1959) was an Australian author, essayist, and critic. He was born in Bundaberg, Queensland, and is best known for his contributions to Australian literature, with a focus on social realism and the exploration of Australian identity. Palmer's notable works include his novel "The Passage" (1930), as well as several biographies and critical essays. He was a prominent figure in the Australian literary scene, deeply involved in cultural organizations and literary journals. Palmer's writing and advocacy played a significant role in shaping Australian literature in the early 20th century.

It is the business of thought to define things, to find the

It is the business of thought to define things, to find the boundaries; thought, indeed, is a ceaseless process of definition. It is the business of Art to give things shape. Anyone who takes no delight in the firm outline of an object, or in its essential character, has no artistic sense. He cannot even be nourished by Art. Like Ephraim, he feeds upon the East wind, which has no boundaries.

The voice of America has no undertones or overtones in it. I

The voice of America has no undertones or overtones in it. It repeats its optimistic catchwords in a tireless monologue that has the slightly metallic sound of a gramophone.

The truth is that literature, particularly fiction, is not t

The truth is that literature, particularly fiction, is not the pure medium we sometimes assume it to be. Response to it is affected by things other than its own intrinsic quality; by a curiosity or lack of it about the people it deals with, their outlook, their way of life.