Meaning: This quote by Graham Greene succinctly captures the essence of the economy of a novelist's writing. Greene, a prolific English novelist and playwright, was known for his ability to craft economical yet impactful prose. In this quote, he compares the economy of a novelist to that of a careful housewife who conserves and repurposes household items rather than discarding them. Through this analogy, Greene illuminates the careful consideration and resourcefulness that characterize a novelist's approach to writing.

In essence, Greene is highlighting the importance of precision and efficiency in the work of a novelist. Just as a housewife carefully manages and repurposes resources, a novelist must judiciously select and utilize words, phrases, and narrative elements to convey their story. This economy in writing is not about scarcity or limitation, but rather about the deliberate and effective use of literary tools to achieve the desired impact.

When a novelist approaches their work with the mindset of an economical housewife, they are constantly mindful of the potential value of every word and narrative choice. They understand that even the seemingly insignificant details may serve a purpose in advancing the plot, developing characters, or creating atmosphere. Rather than indulging in literary excess, the novelist, like the careful housewife, seeks to make the most of every literary resource at their disposal.

By drawing this parallel, Greene also emphasizes the importance of frugality in storytelling. A novelist must be discerning in their use of descriptive language, dialogue, and narrative devices, avoiding superfluous embellishments that do not contribute to the overall coherence and impact of the work. This economy of expression allows the novelist to create a narrative that is lean, purposeful, and resonant.

Moreover, Greene's comparison underscores the practicality of the novelist's craft. Writing, like homemaking, involves a process of organization, refinement, and creative resourcefulness. Just as a housewife carefully manages her household to ensure nothing is wasted, a novelist carefully manages their narrative elements to construct a cohesive and compelling story.

Furthermore, the analogy suggests that the economy of a novelist is not merely about conserving words, but also about repurposing and reimagining them in different contexts. Much like the careful housewife who finds new uses for old items, a novelist may repurpose familiar themes, motifs, or narrative structures in fresh and innovative ways. This ability to extract new meaning and impact from familiar literary elements is a testament to the novelist's skill in harnessing the full potential of their craft.

In conclusion, Graham Greene's analogy of the economy of a novelist to that of a careful housewife offers a profound insight into the meticulous and resourceful nature of the novelist's art. It underscores the importance of precision, efficiency, and frugality in storytelling, while also highlighting the creative potential inherent in the judicious use and reuse of literary elements. Ultimately, this quote encapsulates the essence of economical yet impactful writing, inviting both writers and readers to appreciate the artistry of making the most of every narrative resource.