Quote by Cyril Connolly

When writers meet they are truculent, indifferent, or over-polite. Then comes the inevitable moment. A shows B that he has read something of B s. Will B show A? If not, then A hates B, if yes, then all is well. The only other way for writers to meet is to share a quick pee over a common lamp-post.


When writers meet they are truculent, indifferent, or over-p

Summary

This quote humorously portrays the paradoxical nature of interactions between writers. Initially, writers may display various attitudes, ranging from aggressive to apathetic or excessively polite. However, the tension between them converges when one writer demonstrates knowledge of the other's work. If reciprocated, it fosters a positive connection between them. Alternatively, a refusal to acknowledge each other's work can breed animosity. The quote whimsically suggests that writers can also bond by sharing a transitory moment of relief, akin to how dogs mark their territory, symbolizing a sense of unity through the act of creation.

By Cyril Connolly
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