I asked her to look at me and after a few moments - (pause) - after a few moments she did, but the eyes just slits, because of the glare I bent over her to get them in the shadow and they opened. (Pause. Low) Let me in.
Samuel BeckettRead
Art has nothing to do with clarity, does not dabble in the clear and does not make clear
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art does not prioritize clarity or straightforwardness; instead, it often embraces ambiguity and complexity.
In this quote, Samuel Beckett suggests that true art is not defined by its ability to be easily understood or interpreted. Rather, art thrives in the realms of uncertainty and obscurity, challenging audiences to engage with concepts and emotions that may defy simple explanation and comprehension.
Themes
ArtClarityAmbiguityExpressionCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
During an art seminar, one might say, 'As Beckett points out, art has nothing to do with clarity, inviting us to explore deeper meanings.'
More from Samuel Beckett
All quotes βNothing happens. Nobody comes, nobody goes. It's awful.
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I shall state silences more competently than ever a better man spangled the butterflies of vertigo.
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And what I have, what I am, is enough, was always enough for me, and as far as my dear little sweet little future is concerned I have no qualms, I have a good time coming.
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I love order. It's my dream. A world where all would be silent and still, and each thing in its last place, under the last dust.
Samuel BeckettRead
We lose our hair, our teeth! Our bloom, our ideals.
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When I became poet laureate, I was in a slightly uncomfortable position because I think a lot of poetry isn't worth reading.
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Ann PatchettRead