It is not the first duty of the novelist to provide blueprints for insurrection, or uplifting tales of successful resistance for the benefit of the opposition. The naming of what is there is what is important.

Summary

This quote suggests that a novelist's primary duty is not to directly incite or encourage rebellion or resistance against authority through their work. Instead, their main responsibility lies in accurately and truthfully portraying the realities of the world they are depicting. By "naming what is there," they emphasize the importance of honestly representing the existing circumstances, characters, and issues, which enables readers to engage with and understand the complexities of society. The quote implies that readers themselves must draw their own conclusions and interpretations from the novel, without expecting direct guidance on how to challenge or confront established systems of power.

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