When I write now I do not invent situation, characters, or actions, but rather structures and discursive forms, textual groupings which are combined according to secret affinities among themselves, as in architecture or the plastic arts.

The quote "When I write now I do not invent situation, characters, or actions, but rather structures and discursive forms, textual groupings which are combined according to secret affinities among themselves, as in architecture or the plastic arts." by Juan Goytisolo, a Spanish novelist and essayist, reveals a major shift in his literary approach. Rather than focusing on traditional narrative elements like characters, situations, or plot, Goytisolo prioritizes structure and form. His writing becomes less about storytelling in the conventional sense and more about constructing meaning through abstract, interconnected textual components.

The comparison to architecture and the plastic arts (such as sculpture and painting) is significant. Goytisolo sees his work not as a linear story, but as a spatial arrangement—a deliberate design of textual groupings that relate to each other with “secret affinities.” Like an architect arranging rooms or a sculptor shaping forms, he organizes language based on its internal rhythms, juxtapositions, and conceptual resonance, not simply narrative logic.

This approach aligns with postmodern literary trends, in which the form of the text becomes as important, if not more so, than its content. Goytisolo challenges the reader to find meaning not through familiar storytelling techniques but through patterns, symbolism, and the architecture of language itself. He constructs his texts the way one might design a building—with deliberate layering, openness to interpretation, and an emphasis on aesthetic structure.

In essence, this quote expresses Goytisolo’s evolution as a writer toward a more experimental, form-focused mode of expression. His literary style blurs the line between writing and art, inviting readers to engage with the text as they might a complex architectural space—exploring its dimensions, connections, and hidden logic. It is a powerful statement on how literature, like the plastic arts, can transcend narrative and become an act of spatial and conceptual composition.