The ways we miss our lives are life.
Randall JarrellRead
It is always hard for poets to believe that one says their poems are bad not because one is a fiend but because their poems are bad.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Poets often struggle to accept criticism of their work, believing it to be personal rather than a reflection of the quality of their poetry.
This quote by Randall Jarrell highlights the sensitivity and emotional investment poets have in their work. It addresses the common conflict between artistic pride and the often harsh reality of critical feedback, suggesting that the desire to defend one's creations can make it difficult to accept that criticism is aimed at the art itself rather than the artist's character.
Themes
PoetryCriticismArtSensitivityCreation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a workshop about accepting feedback on creative work.
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Auguste RodinRead
Homer has taught all other poets the art of telling lies skillfully.
AristotleRead