Meaning: Marguerite Duras, a celebrated French novelist, playwright, and filmmaker, made a thought-provoking statement about the nature of journalism and its potential for literary value. In her quote, Duras conveys her perspective on the role of journalists as "the manual workers, the laborers of the word," implying that they are the craftsmen and workers who labor to produce written content. She also suggests that journalism can transcend its utilitarian function and achieve the status of literature, but only when it is infused with passion.

Duras' analogy of journalists as "manual workers" and "laborers of the word" reflects her recognition of the hard work and dedication that journalists put into their craft. It underscores the idea that journalism is a form of labor that requires diligence, skill, and commitment. By likening journalists to manual workers, Duras emphasizes the physical and mental effort that goes into producing written content, highlighting the often underappreciated toil and effort that journalists invest in their work.

Furthermore, Duras' assertion that "journalism can only be literature when it is passionate" speaks to the transformative potential of journalism. She implies that when journalists approach their work with passion and emotional investment, their writing can transcend the boundaries of traditional journalism and take on the qualities of literature. This suggests that the emotional depth, sincerity, and creative expression found in passionate journalism can elevate it to the realm of literature, where it resonates on a deeper level with readers and captures the essence of human experience.

In essence, Duras' quote underscores the idea that journalism has the capacity to evolve beyond its functional role as a conveyer of news and information. When approached with passion and literary sensibility, journalism can become a vehicle for storytelling, introspection, and the exploration of human truths. It can engage readers on a profound level, evoking emotions, sparking contemplation, and offering insights that extend beyond the immediate facts and events being reported.

Duras' perspective also prompts reflection on the relationship between journalism and literature. While journalism is often associated with factual reporting and the dissemination of current events, Duras suggests that it can intersect with the realm of literature when it embodies the qualities of passion and literary craftsmanship. This idea challenges the conventional boundaries between journalism and literature, encouraging a broader appreciation of the artistry and impact of journalistic writing.

The quote also invites contemplation on the nature of passion in journalism. By emphasizing the importance of passion in transforming journalism into literature, Duras highlights the role of personal investment, emotional engagement, and creative expression in shaping compelling and resonant storytelling. This notion emphasizes the significance of authenticity and sincerity in journalistic writing, suggesting that genuine passion can imbue journalistic work with literary merit and enduring relevance.

In conclusion, Marguerite Duras' quote offers a compelling perspective on the nature of journalism and its potential for literary value. By likening journalists to laborers of the word and emphasizing the transformative power of passion, Duras challenges us to reconsider the boundaries between journalism and literature, and to appreciate the artistry and emotional depth that can elevate journalism to the realm of literature. Her words remind us of the profound impact that passionate, well-crafted journalism can have, transcending its immediate purpose to resonate as enduring literature.