For me, there is a paradox in poetry, which is like the paradox in tragedy. You have the most terrible subject, but it's in a form that is so sensually gratifying that it connects the surviving heart to the despairing intellect.
Tony HarrisonRead
I hate being called poet/dramatist/translator/director. 'Poet' covers it all for me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The term 'poet' encompasses all aspects of Tony Harrison's creative identity.
In this quote, Tony Harrison expresses a preference for the term 'poet' over other labels like dramatist, translator, or director. He believes that the essence of his work as a poet inherently includes the skills and creativity required in these other roles, thus making the broader label more fitting.
Themes
PoetArtIdentityCreativityExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of artistic roles, one might quote Harrison to emphasize the unifying power of poetry.
More from Tony Harrison
All quotes βTheatre has to be theatrical. It has to draw attention to itself, like poetry.
Tony HarrisonRead
There's a kind of despair about whether art can really do anything, but you have to incorporate that despair into the way you work. I try to soak my work in my sense of futility and fury.
Tony HarrisonRead
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You don't have to know anything about a subject as long as you use common sense and imagination, plus enthusiasm! I use all periods of design in my work, for, after all, decorative styles are simply indications of a manner of living.
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