Fiction that adds up, that suggests a "logical consistency," or an explanation of some kind, is surely second-rate fiction; for the truth of life is its mystery.
Joyce Carol Oates, in her reflections, suggests that fiction should embrace the inherent mysteries of life rather than conform to a rigid logical structure. She critiques works that aim for straightforward resolutions or explanations, labeling them as inferior. Oates argues that the essence of life lies in its complexities and uncertainties.
In her journal, Oates emphasizes the idea that true storytelling resonates with the unpredictable nature of existence. By acknowledging life's...