Byron: The luxuries of this place have made me soft. The metal point's gone from my pen, there's nothing left but the feather. Gutman: That may be true. But what can you do about it? Byron: Make a departure. Gutman: From yourself? Byron: From my present self to myself as I used to be! Gutman: That's the furthest departure a man could make! Tennessee Williams
About This Quote

When Lord Byron said, "The luxuries of this place have made me soft," he was referring to the fact that his writing skills had been dulled. He was not complaining about the lovely surroundings at the hotel, but about the effect they had on his mood and his work. He meant that although this was a very nice place to be, it did not inspire him. The metal point was a quill or nib that he used for writing.

The feather was a newer and simpler writing implement made of goose feathers. Gutman was his publisher and literary advisor. Byron did not mean to suggest that if he went away from the hotel and returned to his old self, he would immediately become a better writer or find new inspiration for his work.

He may have meant that if he could get away from his present self, which no longer inspired him, and return to himself as he used to be, he would be able to write again with vigor and enthusiasm.

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