Once I lived in time as a fish in water, breathing it, drinking it, sustained by it. Now I kill time and time kills me.
J. M. CoetzeeRead
The masters of information have forgotten about poetry, where words may have a meaning quite different from what the lexicon says, where the metaphoric spark is always one jump ahead of the decoding function, where another, unforeseen reading is always possible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the complexity and depth of language, emphasizing that words can have meanings beyond their literal definitions.
J. M. Coetzee's quote suggests that the richness of language lies in its poetic elements, where meanings can shift and expand beyond conventional interpretations. It underscores the idea that language is dynamic and layered, allowing for creativity and unexpected connections in understanding. The metaphorical nature of words fosters a realm of interpretations that challenges rigid definitions and invites personal insight.
Themes
LanguagePoetryMeaningInterpretationMetaphor
In practice
Example use cases
In a literature class discussing the depth of poetic language.
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