Quote by Elizabeth Hardwick
The private and serious drama of guilt is not often a useful one for fiction today and its disappearance, following perhaps the disappearance from life, appears as a natural, almost unnoticed relief, like some of the challenging illnesses wiped out by drug and vaccines.
Summary
This quote suggests that guilt, which was once a prominent theme in fiction, has become less relevant in today's society. The quote compares the disappearance of guilt in both fiction and real life to the eradication of certain diseases through medication and vaccines. It implies that guilt, considered a private and serious internal struggle, may no longer be seen as fruitful or engaging for modern works of fiction. This shift may reflect larger societal changes and a shift in focus towards different narratives and themes.