Renowned American author and feminist critic Marilyn French is well-known for her astute observations on both literature and society. She made a distinctive comparison between her own and other writers' writing in one of her writing reflections. She proposed that although everyone enjoys great geniuses' writings like fine wine, her books are accessible to everyone but might not be regarded as opulent.

French's viewpoint sheds light on how authors perceive their position in the literary community and how readers react to their work. French's writings seek to provide a basic necessity for those seeking understanding or reflection on issues that deeply concern them, much like people depend on water to sustain them in daily life. On the other hand, geniuses' creations are praised for their depth and complexity, much like fine wine.

The purpose of this comparison is to acknowledge the various functions that literature can play in society, not to critique it. French's work aims to address universal themes that speak to a wide range of people, much like water nourishes everyone without distinction. Genius writings, on the other hand, provide something more profound and exclusive, like wine that accentuates life's special moments.

Through novels like "The Women's Room" and non-fiction pieces that provoked discussion and introspection on social issues, Marilyn French's larger body of work examined subjects like gender equality and historical narratives. Her observations still have an impact on conversations about how literature shapes public perception and understanding.