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When I think of someone equating poems and machines, it…

“When I think of someone equating poems and machines, it makes me feel like that person would like poems to have a more obvious use value in society. They're not happy with poetry being this ephemeral, indefinable thing. They want it to be "real."” quote by Elaine Equi
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“When I think of someone equating poems and machines, it makes me feel like that person would like poems to have a more obvious use value in society. They're not happy with poetry being this ephemeral, indefinable thing. They want it to be "real."”

Elaine Equi

About This Quote

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

Some desire poetry to have clear practical value, finding its abstract nature unsatisfying.

In simple terms: Poetry should serve a purpose.

Key Takeaway

Seek tangible impact in art.

Themes

art purpose utility

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • creative writing workshops
  • public art projects
  • educational curricula
  • media criticism
  • community storytelling

Key Concepts

functionalism aesthetic value

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can poetry be both beautiful and useful?
  • What defines value in art?
A Different Perspective

Artistic freedom may resist utilitarian demands.

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