Meaning: Denis Johnson, an American writer known for his works in various genres, including poetry, fiction, and plays, offers an insightful reflection on the differences between his approach to writing plays and prose in the quote, "In the plays - that's where I go crazy. But my prose has a much lighter touch; it's not trying to thrill with language, just to be more truthful. I'm not concerned with the accuracy of anything. We don't get to the truth of anything with facts." This quote provides a glimpse into Johnson's creative process and his views on the nature of truth and language in different forms of writing.

When Johnson mentions that he goes "crazy" in his plays, it suggests a departure from conventional storytelling and a willingness to explore the depths of human experience in a more uninhibited manner. In the realm of theater, the dramatic form allows for a certain level of experimentation and emotional intensity that may not always be present in other types of writing. Playwriting often involves a heightened sense of dialogue, character interaction, and dramatic tension, which can lead to a more unrestrained and intense creative process for the writer.

On the other hand, Johnson contrasts this approach with his prose, noting that it has a "lighter touch" and is not intended to "thrill with language." This distinction reflects his understanding of the different demands and possibilities offered by the two mediums. In prose writing, there may be a greater emphasis on clarity, subtlety, and nuance, as the writer seeks to convey truths about the human experience in a more understated and reflective manner. Johnson's statement about the lighter touch in his prose suggests a deliberate choice to employ a more restrained and nuanced style of writing, where the language serves the purpose of conveying truth in a subtle and unobtrusive manner.

Furthermore, Johnson's assertion that he is "not concerned with the accuracy of anything" in his prose challenges the traditional notion of factual precision in storytelling. This statement hints at his belief that the pursuit of truth in writing transcends mere factual accuracy. Instead, he seems to suggest that the essence of truth in literature lies in the emotional and existential resonance it evokes in the reader. By prioritizing emotional and psychological truth over factual precision, Johnson aligns himself with a literary tradition that values the subjective and experiential aspects of storytelling.

In the latter part of the quote, Johnson provocatively declares, "We don't get to the truth of anything with facts." This assertion underscores his belief in the limitations of factual information in capturing the complexities of human existence. By emphasizing the inadequacy of facts in revealing deeper truths, Johnson challenges the conventional reliance on empirical evidence as the sole arbiter of truth. Instead, he seems to advocate for a more expansive and intuitive understanding of truth that encompasses the ineffable and elusive aspects of human experience.

In conclusion, Denis Johnson's quote offers a thought-provoking insight into his creative process and his nuanced approach to writing plays and prose. By juxtaposing the intense, uninhibited nature of his playwriting with the lighter, more nuanced quality of his prose, Johnson reveals his deep understanding of the different demands and possibilities inherent in each medium. Moreover, his emphasis on the primacy of emotional and existential truth over factual accuracy challenges conventional notions of storytelling and invites readers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of truth in literature.