“Don’t say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream.”
- November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910
- American
- Author, humorist, and lecturer
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and had a major influence on American literature
Quote
“Don’t say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously emphasizes the importance of directness and action in storytelling. Instead of simply describing an event or reaction, Twain suggests that the storyteller should show it—let the action speak for itself. The phrase “Bring her on and let her scream” encourages a more vivid and dynamic way of engaging the audience, allowing them to experience the moment, rather than being told about it. The humor comes from the dramatic and exaggerated suggestion that instead of telling the audience what happened, one should let the event unfold in a way that brings it to life.
This quote also reflects Twain’s preference for showing rather than telling, a concept that has become a core principle of good storytelling. Instead of using passive descriptions, Twain advises to actively present the scene, letting the characters and their actions make the impact. The “old lady” is a character who can be brought to life through her screaming rather than being reduced to a simple, flat statement.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with how we approach storytelling in various forms of media, including literature, film, and even communication. Whether it’s crafting a compelling narrative or delivering a strong message, Twain’s words encourage us to engage our audience by letting the action and emotions unfold naturally, rather than simply telling them what to think or feel. His humor reminds us that dynamic expression often leaves a stronger impact than simply stating the obvious.
