Meaning: Leslie Fiedler, an American literary critic, is known for his provocative and insightful commentary on American literature and culture. The quote "My assignment is what every writer's assignment is: tell the truth of his own time" reflects Fiedler's belief in the fundamental responsibility of writers to engage with the social and political realities of their contemporary world. This quote encapsulates Fiedler's view that literature should serve as a mirror to society, reflecting its truths, complexities, and contradictions.

Fiedler's assertion that a writer's primary assignment is to tell the truth of their own time speaks to the notion that literature is not merely a form of entertainment or escapism, but rather a vital means of engaging with and understanding the world in which we live. By emphasizing the imperative of truth-telling, Fiedler underscores the ethical dimension of writing, suggesting that writers have a duty to grapple with the pressing issues, dilemmas, and conflicts of their era.

In the context of Fiedler's broader body of work, this quote aligns with his exploration of the ways in which literature both reflects and shapes the cultural and ideological currents of a given historical moment. Fiedler was deeply interested in the ways in which literature serves as a barometer of societal values and concerns, and he frequently examined the ways in which writers grapple with the moral, political, and existential challenges of their time.

Furthermore, Fiedler's quote can be understood as a call for writers to eschew complacency and engage in a process of critical reflection and interrogation of the world around them. In advocating for writers to "tell the truth of his own time," Fiedler urges them to resist the temptation to retreat into fantasy or nostalgia, and instead confront the complexities and contradictions of contemporary reality with courage and honesty.

By highlighting the notion of "assignment," Fiedler also suggests that this imperative is not optional, but rather an inherent part of the writer's vocation. In framing the writer's task as an assignment, Fiedler underscores the seriousness and urgency of this endeavor, emphasizing that it is not a mere artistic or intellectual pursuit, but a moral and existential imperative.

Fiedler's quote continues to resonate in contemporary literary and cultural discourse, serving as a reminder of the enduring relevance of literature as a means of grappling with the complexities and challenges of the present moment. In an age marked by rapid social and technological change, political upheaval, and ethical quandaries, Fiedler's words serve as a potent reminder of the vital role that writers play in bearing witness to the truth of their own time.

In conclusion, Leslie Fiedler's quote "My assignment is what every writer's assignment is: tell the truth of his own time" encapsulates his belief in the ethical imperative of literature to engage with and reflect the realities of its contemporary context. Through this quote, Fiedler challenges writers to confront the complexities and contradictions of their era with courage, honesty, and critical insight, emphasizing the enduring relevance of literature as a means of grappling with the pressing issues and dilemmas of the present moment.