In this century the writer has carried on a conversation with madness. We might almost say of the twentieth-century writer that he aspires to madness. Some have made it, of course, and they hold special places in our regard. To a writer, madness is a final distillation of self, a final editing down. It's the drowning out of false voices.

Summary

This quote suggests that in the 20th century, writers have engaged with madness or insanity in their work, almost desiring it as a means of achieving an authentic expression of self. The quote portrays madness as a transformative process for writers, wherein it allows them to eliminate the influence of societal expectations or false voices that might hinder their creative output. By embracing madness, writers can distill their true essence and convey a genuine depiction of their thoughts and emotions.

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