Quote by V. S. Pritchett
The principle of procrastinated rape is said to be the ruling one in all the great bestsellers.
Summary
This quote suggests that a prevalent narrative technique in popular books is the delayed fulfillment of sexual desire. The term "procrastinated rape" refers metaphorically to the anticipation and buildup of sexual tension between characters. The quote implies that this narrative approach, characterized by delayed gratification in romantic or sexual relationships, is a common theme in successful and widely-read novels.