Meaning: This quote by Norman Lindsay speaks to the importance of presenting fully developed, complex characters in literature and art. The comparison of portraying men and women as "creatures truncated below the waist" to going about without trousers and proclaiming the removal of testicles is a powerful and evocative statement about the necessity of depicting the whole person, both physically and psychologically.

Norman Lindsay, an Australian artist, writer, and sculptor, was known for his controversial and provocative works that often explored themes of human sexuality and the human form. In this quote, Lindsay is critiquing the portrayal of characters that lack depth and complexity, particularly when it comes to their sexuality and physicality. By likening the incomplete portrayal of characters to someone exposing their lack of genitalia, Lindsay is emphasizing the need for artists and writers to depict the entirety of human experience, including the complexities of gender, sexuality, and physical embodiment.

The quote also implies a broader commentary on the shallowness of representation in art and literature. By reducing characters to mere physical attributes, such as their lower body, the artist or writer fails to capture the full essence of their humanity. This reductionism not only limits the richness of the characters but also reflects a lack of understanding and empathy for the human experience as a whole.

In the context of literature, this quote serves as a reminder of the responsibility of writers to create fully realized characters that resonate with readers on a deep and meaningful level. Characters who are portrayed as complete individuals, with nuanced personalities, desires, and struggles, are more likely to engage and provoke thought in the audience. By contrast, characters depicted in a superficial or reductive manner may fail to connect with readers and can even perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about human nature.

Moreover, the quote can be interpreted as a critique of the objectification of the human body in art and literature. By reducing characters to their physical attributes, particularly in a sexualized or dehumanizing manner, the artist or writer risks perpetuating a shallow and reductive view of human beings. This reduction of individuals to mere sexualized objects not only diminishes the depth and complexity of the characters but also reinforces harmful societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality.

In conclusion, Norman Lindsay's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of portraying fully developed, complex characters in art and literature. By emphasizing the need to depict the whole person, both physically and psychologically, Lindsay calls upon artists and writers to capture the richness and depth of the human experience. This quote challenges creators to move beyond superficial representations and embrace the complexity of human nature in all its facets.