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There has been a time on earth when poets had been young and dead and famous - and were men. But now the poet as the tragic child of grandeur and destiny had changed. The child of genius was a woman, now, and the man was gone.
Tom Wolfe
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the changing role of poets and the artistic expression from men to women, highlighting a shift in cultural values.

Tom Wolfe's quote encapsulates a historical shift in the perception and role of poets in society. It acknowledges a time when male poets were celebrated figures, deeply influential and revered. However, he suggests that the essence of poetry and the ideals of genius have transformed, with women now embodying the artistic spirit that was once dominated by men, signaling a broader change in cultural and poetic values throughout history.

Themes

PoetryGenderArtistic ExpressionCultural ChangeCreativity

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the evolution of literature at a book club meeting.

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