What's better? A story well told or a clever novel with layers of meaning?

Answer 1

A story told well..Otherwise, what's the point? I want a story I can delve into and enjoy.

Answer 2

Even if it's a clever novel with layers of meaning, the story has to be told well to keep the interest of the reader.

Answer 3

A story well told with clever layers of meaning. Shakespeare did both.

Answer 4

A novel with layers of meaning is a story well told if it's not too confusing.

Answer 5

clever novel, lots of layers = a story well told.

Answer 6

Both, but the entertainment value has to come first.

I learned something just a few minutes ago, and it may apply to this question. If not, pardon me for rambling...

I was cutting bread for bruschetta, and I cut too many peices to fit on the plate in one layer. Instead of piling them, I tried cutting each piece into three or more narrow pieces. I thought I could eliminate the empty space created by the rounded edges and fit every piece on the plate. It worked. The problem is, I have these narrow pieces of bread now that are totally impractical for topping with bruschetta and eating with my fingers.

The lesson? Think about what you mean to do with a thing before you make it.

You might create a fantastic puzzle with multiple layers of meaning, but it could be unreadable.

Books are meant to be read. Specifically, they're meant to be read by other people. The writer should always remember that.

Answer 7

A story well told with meaning.

Answer 8

A story well told.

Answer 9

A story well told...

Answer 10

Both.