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To my mind, it’s one of the deepest gratifications the…

“To my mind, it’s one of the deepest gratifications the poet or fiction writer knows. I mean, the internal stumbling upon some satisfactory answer to the question, What is this like? Or, What does this remind me of? A comparison is laboriously but successfully introduced. You meet your metaphor…” quote by Brad Leithauser
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““To my mind, it’s one of the deepest gratifications the poet or fiction writer knows. I mean, the internal stumbling upon some satisfactory answer to the question, What is this like? Or, What does this remind me of? A comparison is laboriously but successfully introduced. You meet your metaphor, and it’s good.””

Brad Leithauser

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The writer feels deep satisfaction when a metaphor finally clicks, revealing a vivid comparison that answers an internal question about experience.

In simple terms: Finding the right metaphor brings deep creative joy.

Key Takeaway

Seek precise metaphors to clarify ideas.

Themes

creativity metaphor writing insight

Mood

reflective enthusiastic

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • poetry workshops
  • creative brainstorming
  • teaching literature

Key Concepts

literary theory cognitive resonance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does a metaphor change your perception of a scene?
  • When does a metaphor fail?
A Different Perspective

Metaphors may oversimplify complex feelings.

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