Just as the office worker dreams of murdering his hated boss and so is saved from really murdering him, so it is with the author; with his great dreams he helps his readers to survive, to avoid their worst intentions. And society, without realizing it respects and even exalts him, albeit with a kind of jealousy, fear and even repulsion, since few people want to discover the horrors that lurk in the depths of their souls. This is the highest mission of great literature, and there is no other.

Summary

This quote suggests that literature serves a crucial role in society by allowing readers to explore their darkest desires and intentions through the author's grand dreams. By engaging with these stories, readers are able to release their negative emotions and avoid acting upon their worst instincts. However, the quote also notes that society tends to respect and admire authors for this ability, albeit with a mix of envy, fear, and revulsion, as people are often reluctant to confront the terrifying truths that lie within themselves. Ultimately, the quote highlights literature's ultimate purpose, which is to fulfill the highest mission of revealing and confronting the hidden horrors within human souls.

Topics