Margaret Atwood indicates that different literary genres, particularly those of entertainment, have a significant influence on readers. She suggests that while genres aim to captivate and amuse, realistic novels can often confront the harsh realities of life, which some readers may find less appealing. Thus, the preference for entertainment among the broader audience creates challenges for authors of realistic fiction.

Atwood highlights the tension between the allure of escapism and the discomfort of realism. As many readers gravitate towards stories that provide distraction from everyday struggles, realistic novelists face a dilemma. Their work, although often profound and meaningful, may struggle to resonate with those seeking purely enjoyable narratives.