Meaning: This quote by John Barth, a prominent American novelist, offers a fascinating insight into the mindset of a certain type of novelist. By stating, "If you are a novelist of a certain type of temperament, then what you really want to do is re-invent the world," Barth captures the essence of a creative impulse that drives some writers to reimagine and reshape reality through their work. He goes on to suggest that this desire to reinvent the world is rooted in the dissatisfaction with the realism of the world as it is, implying that these novelists seek to transcend the limitations of mundane reality and create their own, more compelling versions of the world.

Barth's assertion that "God wasn't too bad a novelist, except he was a Realist" adds a layer of complexity to the quote. Here, Barth appears to be comparing the act of world creation through writing to the divine act of creation. He suggests that, while God may be considered a novelist in the sense that he created the world, his approach was that of a realist. This comparison raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality, creativity, and the role of the novelist as a creator.

It is worth noting that John Barth himself is known for his postmodern and metafictional approach to storytelling. His works often feature unconventional narrative structures, self-reflexive commentary on the nature of fiction, and a playful deconstruction of traditional storytelling techniques. In this context, Barth's statement can be seen as a reflection of his own artistic philosophy, which emphasizes the power of fiction to transcend the boundaries of conventional reality and offer new, imaginative perspectives on the world.

From a broader literary perspective, Barth's quote resonates with the tradition of writers who have sought to challenge and subvert realism in their work. Throughout the history of literature, many authors have experimented with alternative modes of storytelling, fantastical worlds, and surreal narratives that defy the constraints of realistic representation. These writers often share Barth's sentiment that the world as it exists is not always sufficient for capturing the full range of human experience and imagination.

In the context of contemporary literary theory, Barth's quote can also be seen as a commentary on the relationship between fiction and reality. It raises fundamental questions about the nature of truth, the malleability of perception, and the ways in which storytelling shapes our understanding of the world. By suggesting that some novelists seek to "re-invent the world," Barth highlights the transformative potential of literature as a means of reshaping our perspectives and challenging the status quo.

In conclusion, John Barth's quote encapsulates the restless creative spirit of a certain type of novelist who aspires to transcend the confines of realism and reshape the world through their writing. It invites contemplation on the nature of creativity, the role of the novelist as a world-builder, and the power of fiction to offer alternative visions of reality. By framing the act of world creation in literary terms, Barth's quote invites readers to ponder the complex interplay between fiction and reality, and the enduring quest to reimagine the world through the written word.