Digression is the soul of wit. Take the philosophic asides away from Dante, Milton or Hamlet's father's ghost and what stays is dry bones.
In Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451," the concept of digression is highlighted as an essential element of wit and creativity. The quote emphasizes that without the philosophical and reflective elements found in works of literature like those of Dante, Milton, or the ghost in Hamlet, the narrative would lack depth and vitality, reducing it to mere lifeless content.
This underscores the importance of exploration and contemplation in storytelling. Digressive elements enrich texts, allowing readers to connect with deeper meanings and ideas. Bradbury suggests that removing these reflective asides strips literature of its richness, turning it into something devoid of significance and emotional resonance.
