Tell troth and shame the devil.
Ben JonsonRead
A good poet's made as well as born.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Talent in poetry is a combination of innate ability and learned skill.
Ben Jonson's quote implies that becoming a great poet involves both natural talent and the acquisition of knowledge and experience. This indicates that while some individuals may have a natural affinity for poetry and creativity, honing one's craft through practice, education, and life experiences is equally crucial in achieving excellence in this art form.
Themes
PoetArtTalentSkillCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a poetry workshop to inspire participants to both embrace their innate abilities and commit to practice.
More from Ben Jonson
All quotes βWe are persons of quality, I assure you, and women of fashion, and come to see and to be seen.
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All concord's born of contraries.
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Queen and huntress, chaste and fair Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light Goddess, excellently bright.
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I know no disease of the soul but ignorance, a pernicious evil, the darkener of man's life, the disturber of his reason, and common confounder of truth.
Ben JonsonRead
You are not now to think what's best to do, _x000D_ As in beginnings, but what must be done, _x000D_ Being thus enter'd; and slip no advantage _x000D_ That may secure you. Let them call it mischief; _x000D_ When it is past, and prosper'd , 'twill be virtue.
Ben JonsonRead
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For me, a poem is an opportunity to kind of interrogate myself a little bit.
Tracy K. SmithRead
She's got those big black eyes with plenty shiny white in them that makes them shine like brand new money and she knows what God gave women eyelashes for, too. Her hair is not what you might call straight. It's negro hair, but it's got a kind of white flavor. Like the piece of string out of a ham. It's not ham at all, but it's been around ham and got the flavor.
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Theater has to resonate in your heart in a way that movies don't.
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Novel-writing is, for the novelist, a game of let's pretend.
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