dreamers--which the English call splash; Arabian poets…
““dreamers--which the English call splash; Arabian poets gasgachau; and which we Frenchmen, who would be poets, can only translate by a paraphrase--the noise of water falling into water.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote likens poetic expression to the sound of water merging with water, suggesting that some ideas can only be captured indirectly through paraphrase.
In simple terms: Poetry often needs indirect translation.
Key Takeaway
Embrace indirect expression.
Themes
art
language
translation
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- teaching
- cross‑cultural communication
Key Concepts
metaphor
translation
interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you convey subtle ideas without direct language?
- When is paraphrase more effective than literal translation?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may be obscure to modern readers.