Meaning: This quote by Nadine Gordimer, a South African writer and Nobel Prize winner in Literature, delves into the complex nature of the creative act and its relationship to society and history. Gordimer suggests that creativity is not a purely individualistic or isolated act, but rather one that is influenced and shaped by external forces such as history and sociology. She explores the idea that the act of creation is not detached from the world around us, but rather intertwined with it, and that the artist or writer is not exempt from accountability to their audience and society.

Firstly, Gordimer's assertion that "The creative act is not pure" reflects the understanding that creativity is often rooted in the experiences, events, and cultural context of the artist. It acknowledges that creative endeavors are not formed in a vacuum, but are informed by a myriad of influences, both personal and societal. This idea challenges the romanticized notion of the solitary, untarnished artist, and instead emphasizes the interconnectedness of creativity with the world at large.

Gordimer's mention of history and sociology as influences on the creative act highlights the impact of broader social and cultural dynamics on artistic expression. History, with its record of human experiences and societal changes, provides a backdrop against which creative works are often situated. Whether consciously or subconsciously, artists draw upon historical events, traditions, and narratives to inform their creations. Similarly, sociology, the study of society and social behavior, offers insights into the collective consciousness, values, and norms that shape the themes and messages conveyed in creative works. Writers, artists, and creators are not immune to the socio-historical currents that flow around them, and their work is inevitably imbued with these influences.

The quote also touches upon the idea that the act of creation involves a loss, as Gordimer states, "The writer loses Eden." This loss can be seen as the departure from a state of innocence or purity, as the artist confronts the complexities and responsibilities that come with sharing their creation with the world. It suggests that the act of creation is not without consequences, and that the artist becomes "answerable" for their work. This accountability encompasses the impact and implications of the artist's creations on their audience and society at large. It implies a sense of ethical and moral responsibility on the part of the creator, as they navigate the power of their work to influence, provoke, and challenge.

In conclusion, Nadine Gordimer's quote captures the multifaceted nature of the creative act, emphasizing its interconnectedness with history, sociology, and societal accountability. It invites contemplation on the complex relationship between the artist and their creations, as well as the broader social and historical forces that shape and inform creative expression. Gordimer's insights prompt us to consider the ethical and social dimensions of creativity, and the ways in which art and literature intersect with and reflect the world around us.