If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.
William Butler YeatsRead
I have desired, like every artist, to create a little world out of the beautiful, pleasant, and significant things of this marred and clumsy world, and to show in a vision something of the face of Ireland to any of my own people who would look where I bid them. I have therefore written down accurately and candidly much that I have heard and seen, and, except by way of commentary, nothing that I have merely imagined.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Yeats expresses the desire of an artist to capture the essence of beauty in a flawed world, particularly reflecting on Ireland's identity.
In this quote, William Butler Yeats articulates his ambition as an artist to create a miniaturized representation of the world using elements of beauty, significance, and joy. He seeks to reveal the authentic spirit of Ireland to his audience, which he describes as 'his own people,' by sharing genuine experiences and observations rather than mere fantasies. This reflects a dedication to truthfulness and a desire to uplift the cultural narrative of his homeland.
Themes
ArtCreativityIrelandBeautyIdentityTruth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the role of artists in society.
More from William Butler Yeats
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But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
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How far away the stars seem, and how far is our first kiss, and ah, how old my heart.
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Love is created and preserved by intellectual analysis, for we love only that which is unique, and it belongs to contemplation, not to action, for we would not change that which we love.
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