I should rather like to tear these last pages out of the book. Shall I? No - a journal ought not to cheat

I should rather like to tear these last pages out of the book. Shall I? No - a journal ought not to cheat

Dodie Smith, the beloved author of "I Capture the Castle," was known for her witty and insightful writing style. In this particular quote, the protagonist expresses a desire to tear out the last pages of their journal, but ultimately decides against it, stating that a journal should not cheat.

This sentiment speaks to the idea of honesty and authenticity in writing. A journal is meant to be a reflection of one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and to alter or remove parts of it would be to distort the truth. Dodie Smith understood the importance of staying true to oneself in writing, and this quote serves as a reminder of that principle.

The protagonist's internal struggle in this quote also highlights the complexity of human emotions. They may feel a desire to erase or hide certain parts of their journal, perhaps out of shame or regret, but ultimately they recognize the value of preserving the whole truth, even if it is difficult to confront.

This quote also speaks to the idea of self-acceptance and self-expression. By choosing not to cheat and tear out the last pages of their journal, the protagonist is embracing their own story, flaws and all. Dodie Smith often explored themes of identity and self-discovery in her writing, and this quote is a poignant example of that exploration.