In Philip Roth's "American Pastoral," the act of writing is portrayed as a complex and often frustrating experience. It suggests that the writer constantly confronts their own fallibility, leading to feelings of inadequacy. The notion that one might achieve perfection or correctness in writing becomes a compelling yet elusive goal, driving writers to persist despite the challenges they face.

This struggle with imperfection is presented as a unique obsession that, while it can be burdensome, does not wholly destroy one's life. Instead, it forms an integral part of the writer's journey, highlighting the paradox of creativity and the relentless pursuit of understanding oneself and the world through the written word.