Meaning: Gabrielle Roy, a Canadian author known for her insightful and poignant writing, presents a thought-provoking idea in this quote. She emphasizes the writer's commitment to truthfulness and the necessity of maintaining an open and free mind and judgment. This quote encapsulates the essence of a writer's responsibility to convey the truth and the complexity of human experiences through their work.

When Roy speaks of the writer's "main engagement" being towards truthfulness, she suggests that the primary objective of writing should be the pursuit of truth. This truthfulness extends beyond the mere recounting of facts; it encompasses an authentic portrayal of the human condition, capturing the intricacies of emotions, relationships, and societal dynamics. By emphasizing the writer's commitment to truthfulness, Roy underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in storytelling.

Furthermore, Roy emphasizes the need for writers to keep their minds and judgments free. This notion speaks to the writer's obligation to approach their craft with an open and unbiased perspective. By keeping their minds free, writers can explore diverse viewpoints, challenge assumptions, and delve into the complexities of human experiences without being constrained by preconceptions or biases. This freedom of mind allows writers to empathize with diverse characters, understand different perspectives, and create compelling narratives that resonate with readers from all walks of life.

Moreover, the idea of keeping one's judgment free is crucial in the context of writing. It implies the ability to remain objective and refrain from imposing personal beliefs or prejudices onto the characters and stories being portrayed. This impartiality enables writers to depict the multifaceted nature of humanity without passing judgment or succumbing to stereotypes. By maintaining a free judgment, writers can present nuanced and authentic portrayals of their subjects, fostering empathy and understanding among their audience.

In essence, Roy's quote highlights the ethical and artistic responsibilities of writers. It emphasizes the writer's role as a truth-seeker and a storyteller who must navigate the complexities of human existence with integrity and open-mindedness. By honoring the pursuit of truthfulness and embracing intellectual freedom, writers can craft narratives that resonate with readers on a profound level, fostering empathy, understanding, and introspection.

Gabrielle Roy's own literary works exemplify the principles outlined in this quote. As a celebrated author, she demonstrated a deep commitment to truthfulness in her storytelling, capturing the struggles, joys, and dilemmas of ordinary people with empathy and authenticity. Her acclaimed novels, such as "The Tin Flute" and "The Cashier," exemplify her dedication to portraying the human experience with honesty and compassion, earning her a place among the most revered Canadian writers of the 20th century.

In conclusion, Gabrielle Roy's quote encapsulates the profound responsibilities of writers in their pursuit of truthfulness and the imperative of maintaining a free mind and judgment. It serves as a reminder of the ethical and artistic obligations that writers bear in representing the complexities of human existence. Through their commitment to truthfulness and their embrace of intellectual freedom, writers can create narratives that resonate with readers, fostering understanding, empathy, and a deeper appreciation of the human condition.