“I once tried hawking my own book around the pubs in the hope that, like the Salvation Army, I too could sell to the cerebrally relaxed. It was a disaster. I had beer thrown over me for being a) a nuisance, b) not as good as Wordsworth and c) a nancy for writing poetry in the first place.”
Analysis
In this quote, Peter Finch humorously reflects on his experience trying to sell his own book in pubs. The use of self-deprecating humor adds a light-hearted tone to the situation, as he describes being met with hostility from pub-goers who did not appreciate his poetry. The reference to Wordsworth, a renowned poet, highlights the high standard to which Finch was being compared and emphasizes the challenges of breaking into the literary world. Overall, this quote showcases Finch's wit and humility in the face of rejection.
Modern Relevance:
In this quote by Peter Finch, the challenges faced by aspiring writers trying to promote their work are highlighted. Despite the humor in his anecdote, the struggle to gain recognition and validation as a writer remains relevant in today's competitive literary landscape. This experience serves as a reminder of the obstacles and criticism that writers may encounter when sharing their creative endeavors with the world.
Peter Finch on his experience hawking his own book
"I once tried hawking my own book around the pubs in the hope that, like the Salvation Army, I too could sell to the cerebrally relaxed. It was a disaster. I had beer thrown over me for being a) a nuisance, b) not as good as Wordsworth and c) a nancy for writing poetry in the first place.”
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on Peter Finch's experience of trying to sell his own book in pubs, consider the following questions:
- How do you think Finch's expectations influenced his decision to sell his book in pubs?
- In what ways do you think Finch's choice of venue impacted the reception of his book?
- How do you think Finch's experience of having beer thrown over him affected his perception of his own work?
- What do you think Finch learned from this experience about the challenges of self-promotion as a writer?
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