The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
Jean CocteauRead
The worst tragedy for a poet is to be admired through being misunderstood.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A poet suffers when others admire their work without truly understanding it.
This quote by Jean Cocteau highlights the tragic irony faced by poets and artists when their creations are appreciated for superficial reasons rather than a deep understanding of their true intentions and meanings. The disconnect between the artist's vision and the audience's comprehension can be disheartening, as genuine appreciation involves a profound connection to the art itself rather than mere admiration.
Themes
PoetryUnderstandingAdmirationArtTragedy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a literary event.
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