Eudora Welty highlights a key challenge for contemporary writers: the importance of embracing their literary heritage. She suggests that all themes and settings have already been explored by previous authors, making them feel less original. Regardless of the writer's location or subject, there remains a sense of familiarity in literature, as many narratives have been told before.

However, Welty emphasizes that despite this, what can truly be new is the writer's unique vision. It is through individual perspective and interpretation that writers can breathe new life into old themes and settings, allowing for innovative storytelling. This personal vision is what keeps literature fresh and relevant, encouraging authors to forge their own paths while respecting their literary roots.