Poetry operates by hints and dark suggestions. It is full of secrets and hidden formulae, like a witch's brew.
Interpretation
Poetry conveys deeper meanings through subtle hints and obscure imagery.
This quote by Anthony Hecht suggests that poetry is not merely a straightforward expression of thoughts but rather an intricate craft that relies on suggestion and insinuation. It highlights the complexity and depth of poetry, comparable to a mysterious concoction, rich in unseen layers and hidden meanings that invite interpretation and exploration.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a poetry workshop discussing the nuances of writing.
A lot of the fun lies in trying to penetrate the mystery; and this is best done by saying over the lines to yourself again and again, till they pass through the stage of sounding like nonsense, and finally return to a full sense that had at first escaped notice.
Drama is exposure; it is confrontation; it is contradiction and it leads to analysis, construction, recognition and eventually to an awakening of understanding.
Artists know that diligence counts as much, if not more, as inspiration; in art, as in politics, patience counts as much as revolution.
Art is longing. You never arrive, but you keep going in the hope that you will.
I think the blues is the best literature that we as blacks have created since we've been here. I call it our 'sacred book.' What I've attempted to do is to mine that field, to mine those cultural ideas and attitudes and give them to my characters.
The artist need not know very much, best of all let him work instinctively and paint as naturally as he breathes or walks.
Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.