This quote is a metaphor comparing the art of writing to the process of building. It suggests that writing, like architecture, should be about creating a strong, well-structured foundation, rather than focusing on ornate and decorative details. The term “Baroque” refers to a period in history known for its extravagant and highly detailed art and architecture, implying that such excessive embellishment is no longer in style or necessary.
The first part of the quote, “Prose is architecture, not interior decoration,” emphasizes the importance of a solid structure in writing. Just as a building needs a strong foundation to stand, a piece of writing needs a well-constructed narrative or argument to hold the reader’s attention and effectively communicate its message. It’s not about the fancy words or complex sentences (the interior decoration), but about the strength and clarity of the ideas and how they are organized (the architecture).
The second part of the quote, “and the Baroque is over,” suggests a shift away from excessive ornamentation towards simplicity and clarity. In the context of writing, it means that overly elaborate, convoluted language is not as effective or appreciated as clear, straightforward prose.
Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see a trend towards simplicity and minimalism in various fields, from technology and design to lifestyle and communication. In a world overloaded with information, simplicity and clarity are more important than ever. This idea can also be applied to personal development. Rather than trying to embellish our lives with unnecessary complications or distractions, we should focus on creating a strong foundation of values, skills, and relationships. Instead of striving for extravagance, we should aim for simplicity, authenticity, and clarity in our actions and communication.
