Meaning: The quote "My pleasure was to copy, not to create." by Manuel Puig, the Argentine author, encapsulates Puig's approach to his writing and the creative process. Puig is best known for his innovative narrative techniques and his exploration of themes such as identity, desire, and communication. This quote sheds light on Puig's artistic philosophy and provides insight into his approach to storytelling and character development.

Puig's statement "My pleasure was to copy, not to create" suggests that he found fulfillment in the act of replication rather than original invention. This sentiment challenges the traditional notion of creativity and authorship, as it implies that Puig's satisfaction as a writer came from the process of imitation and reinterpretation rather than from generating entirely new ideas and narratives. In this way, Puig's approach to writing can be seen as a form of homage to existing cultural texts and a celebration of the act of reimagining and reinterpreting them.

One interpretation of this quote is that Puig's pleasure in "copying" may refer to his fascination with the act of borrowing and adapting existing literary and cultural material. Throughout his works, Puig often drew inspiration from popular culture, including Hollywood films, radio serials, and telenovelas. His novels, such as "Betrayed by Rita Hayworth" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman," are characterized by their incorporation of elements from popular media and their reworking of familiar tropes and genres. Puig's skill as a writer lay in his ability to take these preexisting cultural artifacts and transform them into something new and compelling.

Furthermore, the notion of "copying" as a source of pleasure for Puig may also be understood in relation to his interest in the act of translation. Puig was known for his multilingualism and his engagement with different languages and literary traditions. His work often involved the translation of cultural and linguistic elements, reflecting his belief in the power of language to bridge divides and connect people across different backgrounds and experiences. In this sense, Puig's pleasure in "copying" can be seen as a celebration of the act of linguistic and cultural exchange, as well as a recognition of the richness that comes from engaging with diverse sources and perspectives.

Additionally, Puig's statement may also be interpreted in light of his exploration of the concept of authorship and originality. Throughout his career, Puig was interested in blurring the boundaries between high and low culture, as well as challenging conventional notions of authorial ownership and creativity. His novels often featured characters who were themselves storytellers, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. By embracing the act of "copying," Puig may have been making a statement about the nature of creativity itself, suggesting that the act of creation is inherently intertwined with the act of interpretation and reinterpretation.

In conclusion, Manuel Puig's quote "My pleasure was to copy, not to create" offers valuable insight into his approach to writing and creativity. Puig's celebration of the act of "copying" as a source of pleasure highlights his fascination with the process of adaptation, translation, and reimagining. By embracing existing cultural material and transforming it into something new, Puig's work challenges traditional notions of authorship and originality, demonstrating the richness and complexity that can arise from engaging with diverse sources and perspectives.