In "The Accursed," Joyce Carol Oates explores the role of artists within society, suggesting that they inherently possess a revolutionary spirit. The narrative delves into themes of social change and the impact of artistic expression on cultural landscapes. Oates implies that an artist's work often challenges the status quo, provoking thought and inspiring movements for progress.
The quote, "For isn't the artist by nature a revolutionary?" encapsulates this idea, highlighting the transformative power of art. Artists not only reflect the world around them but also seek to reshape it, questioning norms and urging society towards evolution and reform.