Once, a few years earlier, Jules had gone to see a play at Ashs theater, and afterward, during the talkback, when the audience asked questions of the playwright and of Ash, whod directed the production, a woman stood up and said, This one is for Ms. Wolf. My daughter wants to be a director too. Shes applying to graduate school in directing, but I know very well that there are no jobs, and that shes probably only going to have her dreams dashed. Shouldnt I encourage her to do something else, to find some other field she can get into before too much time goes by? And Ash had said to that mother, Well, if shes thinking about going into directing, she has to really, really want it. Thats the first thing. Because if she doesnt, then theres no point in putting herself through all of this, because its incredibly hard and dispiriting. But if she does really, really want it, and if she seems to have a talent for it, then I think you should tell her, Thats wonderful. Because the truth is, the world will probably whittle your daughter down. But a mother never should.
About This Quote
About Meg Wolitzer, The Interestings
Meg Wolitzer, The Interestings.
Themes
- Art — Creativity, expression, and the role of art in society