Quote by Janet Malcolm
The dominant and most deep-dyed trait of the journalist is his timorousness. Where the novelist fearlessly plunges into the water of self-exposure, the journalist stands trembling on the shore in his beach robe. The journalist confines himself to the clean, gentlemanly work of exposing the grieves and shames of others.
Summary
This quote suggests that journalists, in contrast to novelists, tend to be fearful and hesitant in exposing their own inner thoughts and emotions. While novelists bravely delve into the depths of their own self-reflection and scrutiny, journalists opt for a more cautious approach, focusing on uncovering the faults and misdeeds of others instead. They engage in a polished and restrained form of work, revealing the sorrows and scandals of individuals without exposing their own vulnerabilities in the process. Ultimately, this quote highlights the different approaches and attitudes seen between journalists and novelists.