Clarice Lispector Quotes about Writing

I write to save someone's life, probably my own

I write to save someone's life, probably my own

Writing, My Own

No it is not easy to write. It is as hard as breaking rocks. Sparks and splinters fly like shattered steel.

Writing, Rocks, Steel

Clarice Lispector (1986). “The Hour of the Star”, p.19, New Directions Publishing

I have grown weary of literature: silence alone comforts me. If I continue to write, it’s because I have nothing more to accomplish in this world except to wait for death. Searching for the word in darkness. Any little success invades me and puts me in full view of everyone. I long to wallow in the mud. I can scarcely control my need for self-abasement, my craving for licentiousness and debauchery. Sin tempts me, forbidden pleasures lure me. I want to be both pig and hen, then kill them and drink their blood.

Clarice Lispector

Writing, Pigs, Self

Clarice Lispector (1986). “The Hour of the Star”, p.70, New Directions Publishing