Tropic of Cancer Writing Quotes

We have to give Henry Miller some credit. After all, when was the last time someone opened a story like that? This is what we like to call a "red flag" moment. If the narrator says something that shocking, it's worth paying attention to whether or not he follows through on his promise. What's the verdict?

Although Miller cites literally dozens of authors he respects, he doesn't think it's looking good for writing—or civilization, for that matter. So take what you can get, he says. Even the smallest shred of meaning may be enough to change the collision course of civilization. Books are a good starting place.

With the exceptions of Carl and Boris, Henry thinks that just about all of his friends are bad writers. So what's his idea of good writing? Something that comes straight from your soul and your gut—you know, something you just have to get out of you. We're kind of surprised he didn't make the bodily function comparison here.

Henry is kind of skeptical about the whole label "literature." In fact, he's not so sure about books in general—he knows he wants to be a writer, but he doesn't want to be a writer with literary pretentions. Remember: he wants to produce a "prolonged insult," not a book. What do you think: has he succeeded?

He make be taking this metaphor a bit far, but the point is that Henry has almost a physical attachment to his own writerly creations. But is it fair of him to employ this feminine metaphor after all the woman-hating he's done?

You may want to slow down on the ego here, Hank. A new Bible is pretty ambitious. But Henry seems to believe that The Last Book will truly be the last book. The book to capture his generation. The book to end all books. For now, at least.

This comment is sort of a strange one coming out of Henry's mouth. First, it's not true. He doesn't seem to write that much—or he's too busy describing venereal diseases and hunger to do. Also, he hates machines, so why he would describe himself that way is a mystery. A little irony, perhaps?

This philosophy is much more Henry. He cares way more about writing and ideas than having a nice pad. And hey, we can respect that.

American Express is where Henry's wife wires him money. So though he's not likely to admit it, money does matter. Gasp!

We already know that Henry thinks Tania's boyfriend, Sylvester, is a moron. But his belief that Henry is a surrealist is really his way of jabbing at Henry and saying that he doesn't really give a hoot about the work Henry does.