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And the betrayers of language … n and the press gang And…

“And the betrayers of language … n and the press gang And those who had lied for hire; The perverts, the perverters of language, the perverts, who have set money-lust Before the pleasures of the senses; howling, as of a hen-yard in a printing-house, the clatter of presses, the blowing of dry dust…” quote by Ezra Pound
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“And the betrayers of language … n and the press gang And those who had lied for hire; The perverts, the perverters of language, the perverts, who have set money-lust Before the pleasures of the senses; howling, as of a hen-yard in a printing-house, the clatter of presses, the blowing of dry dust and stray paper, foetor, sweat, the stench of stale oranges.”

Ezra Pound

About This Quote

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

Language can be corrupted by greed and sensationalism, turning communication into noise.

In simple terms: Greed distorts language into chaos.

Key Takeaway

Guard truth against commercial exploitation.

Themes

language corruption media greed

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

literary political

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • advertising
  • political speech
  • social media

Key Concepts

propaganda truth authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you discern authentic speech?
  • Can language remain pure amid commerce?
A Different Perspective

Pure language may be impossible in a profit‑driven world.

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