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You know, there are good reasons to learn how to read…

“You know, there are good reasons to learn how to read. Poetry isn't one of them. I mean, so what if two roads go two ways in a wood? So what? Who cares if it made all that big a difference? What difference? And why should I have to guess what the difference is? Isn't that what he's supposed to…” quote by Gary D. Schmidt
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“You know, there are good reasons to learn how to read. Poetry isn't one of them. I mean, so what if two roads go two ways in a wood? So what? Who cares if it made all that big a difference? What difference? And why should I have to guess what the difference is? Isn't that what he's supposed to say? Why can't poets just say what they want to say and then shut up?”

Gary D. Schmidt

About This Quote

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

The speaker questions the practical value of poetry, expressing frustration with its perceived lack of tangible purpose.

In simple terms: Poetry seems useless to the speaker.

Key Takeaway

Consider poetry's emotional and cultural contributions.

Themes

art education skepticism

Mood

frustrated curious

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • school curriculum
  • personal enrichment
  • creative expression

Key Concepts

literary criticism value of humanities

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotional value does poetry provide?
  • Can art influence society beyond practicality?
A Different Perspective

Poetry may offer intangible benefits not immediately obvious.

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